By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, April 15: Diesel prices in Sabah, Sarawak and the Federal Territory of Labuan are maintained at RM2.15 per litre as the fuel remains a “lifeline” for daily activities, given the region’s vast geography, limited road connectivity and heavy reliance on diesel-powered transport and energy systems.
In a content posted on its social media platform today, Ministry of Finance said diesel in East Malaysia is not merely a fuel but the “pulse of life” for residents, supporting essential movement, logistics, fishing activities and electricity generation, especially in rural and interior areas where infrastructure remains limited.
It noted that Sabah, Sarawak and Labuan cover a geographical area about 60 per cent larger than Peninsular Malaysia, yet are home to only 5.97 million people.
However, the challenging terrain, scattered settlements and long distances between communities have made diesel a critical energy source for daily living.
“Rural and interior areas are vast with difficult landscapes that limit road access. Many residents depend on water transport and four-wheel-drive vehicles, making diesel indispensable,” the ministry said.
It added that diesel is also widely used to power generators in areas with incomplete electricity coverage, as well as to support key economic activities such as logistics and fisheries.
In total, about 2 billion litres of diesel are consumed in Sabah, Sarawak and Labuan, with the price maintained at RM2.15 per litre to ensure continued support for local needs.
In comparison, Peninsular Malaysia consumes more than 6.7 billion litres of diesel, including usage under targeted assistance initiatives such as the Skim Kawalan Diesel Bersubsidi (SKDS), Budi Individu, Budi Agro-Commodity and for fishermen.
As part of its targeted subsidy approach, the government has also provided RM400 assistance through BUDI Diesel to help offset diesel costs for eligible individuals in the Peninsula.
The ministry said the targeted diesel subsidy implementation is based on actual usage needs and the principle of fairness, ensuring more efficient and equitable distribution of national resources across all regions. — DayakDaily
