SUBANG JAYA: The Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry is currently analysing the need to include tow trucks in the list of transportation eligible for subsidies under the Subsidised Diesel Control System (SKDS).
Its minister, Datuk Seri Armizan Mohd Ali, said the matter has been referred to the Appeals Committee for a more detailed review.
He said the findings from the analysis would soon be tabled for consideration by the cabinet.
"We have acknowledged appeals from various parties, including those involved with towing trucks, and all are being considered. The justifications they have provided are also being analysed.
"Once the Appeals Committee completes its analysis, we will present it for cabinet consideration.
"(However), a decision has yet to be made. We are still analysing because the basic principle is that only eligible people will be included.
"SKDS covers sectors or types of transportation involved in the delivery of essential items and services used daily by the community," he told reporters after the closing ceremony of the Shopee Seller Summit.
On June 21, Deputy Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Fuziah Salleh had said the ministry was ready to help tow truck operators appeal for diesel subsidies to reduce their operational costs following the implementation of the Budi Madani initiative.
She had said this after receiving a memorandum from Pertubuhan Kebajikan Integriti Persahabatan Nasional (PKIPN), representing tow truck operators across Malaysia, urging the government to consider granting diesel subsidies in light of the targeted fuel subsidy initiative.
According to the PKIPN, tow truck operators often travel long distances across Peninsular Malaysia to provide essential services.