By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, Sept 29: The Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) Sarawak has set up service counters across all its branch offices to assist the public with applications and enquiries on the Subsidised Petrol Control System (SKPS), which will be implemented starting tomorrow (Sept 30).
KPDN Sarawak director Matthew Dominic Barin said there are eight main branch offices in Sarawak, plus the headquarters in Kuching, and sub-branches in Serian and Lawas where the public may go to seek clarification.
“All our officers are ready at every branch to provide assistance.
“Applications for SKPS have been open since Sept 15, and beginning tomorrow, the system will be enforced along with the use of the Fleet Card,” he told reporters after the engagement session here today.
The SKPS is a targeted subsidy mechanism introduced by the federal government to ensure that subsidised RON95 petrol is channelled only to eligible groups. Under the scheme, individual Malaysians may purchase up to 300 litres monthly at RM1.99 per litre using their MyKad, while registered public transport and goods vehicles can obtain Fleet Cards from oil companies to buy subsidised fuel according to approved quotas.
Asked if KPDN Sarawak would hold engagement sessions in rural areas where communities may not be aware of the new aid mechanism, Matthew reiterated that customer service counters at all branches are open to serve those who require guidance.
During the engagement session earlier, Sarawak stakeholders have raised concerns that the SKPS may not fully address the State’s unique needs, highlighting issues faced by boat operators, rural transporters and smaller petrol stations.
However, the federal government has assured that feedback from Sarawak will be taken into account, with KPDN emphasising that the engagement sessions are part of ongoing efforts to fine-tune the mechanism so that subsidies can be channelled more effectively without burdening rural communities. — DayakDaily
