TAMBUNAN: The reinstatement of the subsidy eligibility limit for RON95 petrol and diesel under the BUDI MADANI Program is not an ‘election sweetener’, but rather a government initiative aimed at alleviating the cost of living pressures faced by the public at this time.
The Coordinator of the Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah (PGRS) for the Tambunan State Assembly, Dato’ Victor P. Paut, stated that the public should view this announcement positively, as its benefits are felt directly, especially by vehicle users who rely on petrol and diesel for their daily activities.
He said the increase in eligibility is essential, considering the volatile global oil prices due to ongoing conflicts and tensions in the Middle East.
“In my opinion, the increase in petrol quotas, particularly for diesel, is extremely beneficial, especially for the people of Sabah, many of whom use four-wheel drive vehicles due to the challenging geographical conditions in this region.
“The announcement from the Prime Minister is clearly not an ‘election sweetener’, but rather one of the initiatives to ease the burden on the people,” he said when met after officiating the Malaysia Day celebration at the Nambayan Mukim level here on September 2.
Previously, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced the restoration of the basic eligibility limit for BUDI MADANI RON95 (BUDI95) from 200 liters to 300 liters per month, along with an increase in the BUDI Diesel eligibility from 300 to 400 liters for eligible private diesel vehicle owners of pickup and SUV types, effective September 1.
In the same context, Victor also emphasized that this announcement should not be interpreted solely from a political perspective, but rather assessed based on its impact on the people.
He stated that despite some dissenting voices linking it to ‘election sweeteners’, it ultimately depends on individual perceptions since the 16th General Election (GE16) is not scheduled until next year.
He emphasized that government assistance to the public should be viewed in light of current needs rather than being automatically associated with political interests, as citizens are currently facing various pressures related to the cost of living.
“Indeed, the public requires this assistance. It is a reality of life, and we should not politicize any government aid to the people simply because the election is approaching, especially since GE16 is still a long way off, next year,” he asserted.
Victor, who also serves as the Deputy Chairman of Sawit Kinabalu and Borneo Samudera, expressed confidence that the benefits would continue if the government finds them necessary to help citizens cope with the cost of living pressures.
“I am confident that this fuel subsidy assistance will indeed continue,” he remarked when asked whether the aid and subsidies would remain if the current government continues to govern after the upcoming GE16.
What is more crucial, he noted, is ensuring that the subsidy policy is implemented effectively so that its benefits truly reach those in need, as the public should not be burdened with political polemics when the government takes steps that directly help reduce their daily expenses.
Earlier, Victor approved funding for the purchase of 200 plastic chairs, two units of 2hp air conditioners, and six sets of solar lights for the Village Library and the Multipurpose Hall of Kampung Nambayan during the event.
