KOTA KINABALU, June 11 – The targeted subsidy efforts implemented by the Madani government are crucial in reducing leakages and increasing aid for the people, according to Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil. Speaking at the Communications Ministry’s Excellence Service Award ceremony for the Sabah and Labuan Zone, Fahmi highlighted that the savings from subsidy rationalisation are redirected to public initiatives, boosting income and ensuring subsidies benefit the right recipients.
He noted that the Road Transport Department reported daily losses of RM1.25 million due to diesel leakages and smuggling, funds which could otherwise support aid programmes. Fahmi also mentioned recent cases of attempted diesel smuggling, emphasizing the importance of targeted subsidies. The newly implemented diesel price of RM3.35 per litre aims to prevent such losses. He stressed that targeted subsidies ensure only eligible Malaysians benefit, citing issues like LPG canisters intended for Malaysians ending up in Indonesia.
To further support the public, the government has introduced the budi madani cash assistance programme, offering RM200 monthly to private diesel vehicle owners, small farmers, and smallholders, starting with 30,000 recipients.
