Shafizan supplies retail stores in the countryside are allowed to sell petrol, subsidized diesel

KUALA LUMPUR, 12 Nov: The government is advised to expand access to subsidized petrol and diesel in rural Sarawak through more flexible channelling mechanisms to ensure that rural residents also enjoy the benefits of fuel assistance.

Member of Parliament for Batang Lupar, Mohamad Shafizan Kepli said the implementation of fuel subsidies should take into account geographical challenges, infrastructure development level and dependency of rural communities on petrol and diesel in everyday life.

According to him, there are villages and long houses located far from the gas station equipped with MyKad verification terminal.

He said the situation forced residents to get fuel through bottled sales at village retailers or on roadsides.

"This does not mean that they are intentionally violating the law to sell or buy petrol and diesel illegally.

"The reality is, the villagers have no other option", he said when discussing the allocation of the Ministry of Internal Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) at Committee level in the Dewan Rakyat today.

In this regard, Shafizan suggested that the government consider granting petrol and diesel sales permits to selected retailers in remote areas to facilitate subsidized fuel supply.

He said the permitted premises could also be equipped with a MyKad verification terminal to ensure that only users are eligible for subsidies, thus avoiding consistency.

Meanwhile, he also suggested that the MADANI Mercy Sale Program (PJRM) be expanded more consistently and comprehensively to rural areas as well as remote settlements by 2027.

According to him, the implementation of mobile sales should be improved so that villagers and long-term residents can get basic necessities at affordable prices without having to bear high travel costs.

He also suggested that the programme focus on providing nutritious foods such as milk, grains and protein sources to help families with young children deal with malnutrition problems.

"I also suggest that cooperation with local retailers, cooperatives and rural entrepreneurs be strengthened to expand the distribution network of basic necessities as well as open up economic opportunities for small traders", he said. - TVS