KUALA LUMPUR: The government is considering adding several types of freight transport vehicles to the list of transportation eligible for diesel subsidies.
This, under the Subsidised Diesel Control System (SKDS) 2.0, will be considered among others, including to expand the quota for public transport under SKDS 1.0 such as school and express buses.
The Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry said it is currently reviewing all the grounds for applications and appeals, and will expedite them for consideration by the Diesel Subsidy Approval Committee.
In a statement today, Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali said his ministry is set to review several appeals after the diesel subsidy rationalisation exercise was announced.
The policy that came into effect June 10 has prompted stakeholders to seek amendments aimed at expanding the scheme's scope and improving its accessibility.
LINK: https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2024/06/1061330/updated-diesel-subsid...
"In response to these appeals, the ministry is currently evaluating the merit of each application and will expedite recommendations for consideration by the Diesel Subsidy Approval Committee," the statement read.
It added that the committee is composed of representatives from the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry, Finance Ministry, Transport Ministry, Road Transport Department, Land Public Transport Agency, and the Royal Malaysian Customs Department.
"A dedicated Appeals Committee will consolidate and review the suggestions and forward them to the cabinet for final consideration and decision.
"This move follows concerns from various transport sectors about the adequacy and fairness of the subsidy allocation, with many stakeholders arguing that the existing scheme does not adequately address the needs of all vehicle categories or reflect the actual fuel consumption patterns in the industry.
"As the government fine-tunes the SKDS framework, it aims to ensure that the subsidy mechanism is equitable, comprehensive, and aligned with the nation's broader economic and environmental objectives. Further updates are expected following the committee's deliberations and the subsequent cabinet review," the statement said.