KOTA BARU: Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali says the opposition has expressed concern on the implementation of the diesel subsidy rationalisation to him.
Armizan said the opposition members, among others, had cited the impact of the rationalisation on the people, and he told them that it was not an issue as the government's intention was to help the people.
Armizan said he also explained to them the reason behind the move.
"This subsidy rationalisation was not introduced by the current government. It has been discussed by the previous government under different names, but it could not be implemented due to certain reasons, including political considerations.
"But the government needs to stop the leakage (of diesel subsidies) and InsyaAllah (God willing), with the rationalisation, there will be more fiscal spares for the government to help the people in their expenses.
"I have told the opposition members during our discussions on the rationalisation and its impact, that there should be no problems if we truly want to help the people.
"So, l hope they will continue to support the move as the Parliament session will start soon," said Armizan in a townhall with more than 150 Kelantan petrol station operators here today.
Armizan said it was not important who becomes the government in future as long as this pilot effort was started by the Madani government.
"I also told the opposition that we are willing to sit down, willing to listen and discuss this issue openly from time to time.
"We want this process to go smoothly. The government also wants all the petrol station operators to play their part in this effort," he added.
Last month, the cabinet has agreed to implement targeted subsidies on fuel starting with diesel, which is projected to save the country RM4 billion annually.
The NST had been highlighting the issue of diesel smuggling along the country's border with Thailand in its series of reports a few months ago, particularly in the Rantau Panjang area.
Currently, it was reported that smugglers were now turning to Ron95 petrol as their contraband following the diesel subsidy rationalisation.