By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Apr 6: The lower diesel price in Sarawak compared with Peninsular Malaysia is the correct step as it reflects the State’s logistical realities and higher distribution costs, said Deputy Minister for Urban Planning, Land Administration and Environment, Datuk Len Talif Salleh.
According to a Sarawak Public Communication Unit (Ukas) report, he said Sarawak’s vast geographical size, scattered settlements and heavy reliance on diesel-powered transport make fuel costs a significant factor in daily economic activities.
“The reality is that many people do not fully understand the logistics aspect.
“Even with development and cost-control schemes, goods in Sarawak are still relatively expensive due to transportation and distribution challenges,” he told reporters after officiating the flag-off for the LCDA Sapphire Run 1.0 at Padang Merdeka today.
He added that diesel usage in Sarawak remains high because the state covers a large area and many sectors depend on diesel vehicles and machinery.
Len said the price difference is therefore a justified measure that takes into account the needs and circumstances of people in Sarawak.
Also present were Land Custody and Development Authority (LCDA) general manager Datu Sr Zaidi Mahdi, North Kuching City Commission (DBKU) mayor Dato Hilmy Othman, Ministry of Natural Resources and Urban Development permanent secretary Datu Abdullah Julaihi, Sarawak Forest Department director Datu Hamden Mohammad, Natural Resources and Environment Board (NREB) controller Datu Jack Liam, Land and Survey Department director Datu Awang Zamhari Awang Mahmood, Sarawak Timber Industry Development Corporation general manager Zainal Abidin Abdullah and DBKU director Ramzi Abdillah. — DayakDaily
