By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Sept 24: Kota Sentosa assemblyman Wilfred Yap has welcomed the recent petrol price reduction to RM1.99 per litre but stressed that short-term fuel relief alone is insufficient to address the persistent transport challenges faced by Sarawakians.
He urged the federal government to work closely with the Sarawak government in crafting policies tailored to the State’s unique circumstances, policies that are future-proof, practical, and implementable, rather than relying on a “one-size-fits-all” approach.
“Fuel cuts ease today’s pressure, but they do not solve tomorrow’s challenges. Sarawak needs practical, long-term policies from the federal government that reduce transport costs and strengthen household resilience,” he said in a statement today.
Yap highlighted that Sarawak’s vast geography and limited public transport infrastructure mean most families are heavily reliant on private vehicles.
While the fuel price cut provides timely relief, he stressed that structural reforms are necessary to deliver sustainable impact.
He called for upgrading BAS.MY services across the State by increasing service frequency, expanding routes to underserved areas, and supporting smaller feeder buses to connect housing estates with main routes.
“In addition, the federal government should introduce targeted transport assistance, such as monthly financial aid for students from low-income families,” he said.
Yap also emphasised the importance of promoting an energy transition, advocating for federal tax rebates for hybrid and electric vehicles, alongside the phased development of EV charging infrastructure at shopping malls, government complexes, and along highways.
“There is also a need to ease the broader cost of living by increasing federal allocations for affordable housing in Sarawak’s growing towns, which would help reduce commuting distances,” he added.
Pointing out Sarawak’s contributions to the nation’s wealth, Yap said Sarawak has every right to expect stronger federal support.
“Sarawak contributes immensely to the federal coffers through our oil and gas resources. It is only fair that we receive greater federal assistance to improve transport, housing, and cost-of-living support. Sarawakians deserve to see a tangible return from the resources we provide,” he stressed. — DayakDaily
