By Shikin Louis
ASAJAYA, July 19: A 12-hour journey from Miri to Bario could use up the monthly diesel subsidy quota within a day, highlighting the need to review the mechanism for Sabah and Sarawak, says Sarawak Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.
He said the current diesel subsidy arrangement must take into consideration the unique circumstances of Sarawak, where many rural communities depend on diesel-powered four-wheel-drive vehicles, generators and boats due to the State’s vast geographical landscape.
“Take, for example, from Miri to Bario. It takes up to 12 hours.
“With a quota like that, one day is already finished. It will cause hardship,” he said when speaking to reporters after officiating the Kampung Rebak Corn Festival 2026 here today.
He said the situation showed why Sarawak and Sabah could not be treated the same way as Peninsular Malaysia, where reliance on diesel-powered vehicles was different.
He pointed out that many communities, especially in the northern region involving Miri, Baram and Marudi, use pickup trucks and four-wheel-drive vehicles as their main mode of transportation.
“Many homes, especially longhouses, use pickup trucks and four-wheel-drive vehicles. Their fuel is diesel,” he said.
Abdul Karim said if the allocation was limited to 200 litres per month under the current mechanism, it would not be sufficient for those who need to travel long distances in rural areas.
He said apart from vehicles, diesel was also needed to operate generators at longhouses, schools and other facilities not connected to the electricity grid.
He added that coastal fishermen using diesel-powered boats would also be affected.
“I am an angler myself. Now I do not go fishing because I know my boat uses diesel. It is very difficult to get diesel,” he pointed out.
He stressed that he was not saying diesel rationing was wrong, as controls were needed to prevent misuse, including fuel being sold through the black market or taken out of the country.
However, he said the mechanism needed to be refined, with stronger enforcement to ensure genuine users receive an appropriate allocation.
“We do not want to open it up completely where anyone can buy fuel. Later, the fuel can go out across the border or be sold on the black market.
“That is why enforcement needs to be good, and the method of determining who can get how many litres and for what purpose must be refined,” he emphasised. — DayakDaily
