By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, March 27: The decision to retain subsidised diesel for Sabah and Sarawak reflects the federal government’s responsiveness to the unique cost pressures faced in both States, says Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Sabah and Sarawak Affairs) Datuk Mustapha Sakmud.
He was referring to the government’s move to maintain the subsidised diesel price at RM2.15 per litre for Sabah and Sarawak under controlled usage, alongside the BUDI95 initiative offering RON95 at RM1.99 per litre with a monthly cap of 200 litres, despite broader fuel subsidy restructuring measures nationwide.
“This decision is clear proof that the MADANI government consistently listens to the pulse of the people in Borneo.
“The unique geography, logistics costs, and development challenges in Sabah and Sarawak are seriously taken into account in every national policy decision, in line with the relatively high diesel usage in both States,” he said in a statement today.
He also emphasised the importance of proper implementation, calling on consumers, industry players, and enforcement agencies to ensure the policy is carried out effectively and reaches its intended beneficiaries.
At the same time, Mustapha conveyed his appreciation to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim for taking into account the needs of Sabah and Sarawak in the policy’s execution.
Yesterday (March 26), Anwar announced that the government will maintain the RON95 subsidised fuel price at RM1.99 per litre under the BUDI95 programme, but reduce the monthly quota from 300 litres to 200 litres effective April 1, 2026, while retaining an 800-litre ceiling for e-hailing and gig workers.
He also said Sabah and Sarawak will continue to receive subsidised diesel at RM2.15 per litre, alongside stricter controls to curb leakages, including new purchase limits of 50 litres for light vehicles, 100 litres for vehicles below three tonnes, and 150 litres for heavier vehicles.
Flexible work arrangements, including work-from-home policies for civil servants on a phased and selective basis, are also being considered, with the private sector encouraged to adopt similar measures. — DayakDaily
