SARAWAK residents heaved a sigh of relief following a decision to exempt East Malaysia from diesel subsidy cuts.
Parti Pesaka Bumiputra Bersatu's Baram division chief Dennis Ngau told The Vibes the people were grateful to the federal government.
"People are talking about it everywhere. They are glad that the PM (Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim) has listened to our plight," Ngau, who is the Telang Usan assemblyman.
"This exemption for us in Sarawak and Sabah should be permanent," Ngau said.
Four-wheel drive vehicles that ply the rugged, rural roads of the state run on diesel
The fuel also powers generator sets to produce electricity in remote longhouses without electricity supply.
Residents of riverine settlements and towns need diesel for their boats.
Cargo transporters also use diesel to travel the routes along the 1,000km Pan Borneo Highway in Sarawak.
Rural Sarawak folk had been worried that the removal of the fuel subsidy will cause the prices of food, household essentials, and transport to soar.
In a televised speech last night, Anwar said the cabinet had agreed to rationalise fuel subsidies so that only the deserving would enjoy them.
He said the Sabah and Sarawak would not be affected by the cuts.
“Almost every family in Sabah and Sarawak uses diesel for their vehicles. So we are postponing action because it will be inconvenient for the people,” he said. – May 22, 2024.
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