Two Sarawakian politicians have called for a government initiative which will see Malaysians paying RM1.99 per litre for RON95 expanded to include outboard engine users in the state’s rural and coastal areas.
Parti Bansa Dayak Sarawak’s newly elected president, John Brian Anthony, said many Sarawakians in rural areas continue to rely on outboard engines as one of their main modes of transportation, The Borneo Post reported.
“For them, petrol is not only for land vehicles but also for daily river mobility, which is a lifeline,” he was quoted as saying.
John said expanding the BUDI95 initiative to include outboard engines would not only ease the cost of living, but also improve the well-being of rural communities across the state.
“Only then will this policy be truly inclusive and fair to all Malaysians,” he said.
In a similar call, PKR‘s Chiew Choon Man pointed out that there is a need for additional fuel quotas for river and coastal fishermen, many of whom depend on RON95 to power their boats and engines.
“A specific mechanism should be created to assist this group,” the Miri MP said.
He also highlighted the plight of farmers who operate boats and machinery using RON95, but do not hold driving licences or own vehicles.
He said this group should not be excluded from the initiative.
Finance minister II Amir Hamzah Azizan, who had chaired a briefing which Chiew attended, said fishermen, farmers and other commercial users facing such issues could apply for the fleet card through the domestic trade and cost of living ministry.
Beginning Sept 30, the government will provide up to 300 litres of RON95 petrol per month at RM1.99 per litre for all Malaysians aged 16 and above with valid driving licences.
The initiative would benefit about 18 million car and motorcycle users.
