SARAWAK United Peoples Party (SUPP) has called on the Federal Government to exclude the state from any RON 95 petrol subsidy rationalisation which will result in imminent price hikes.
Party central leadership member Datuk Sim Kiang Chiok, who is chairman of SUPP Stakan branch, said it is not practical to have two different price scheme for Sarawak - one subsidised and one based on market price - as most people in the state are from the lower income group.
"Putrajaya must exclude Sarawak from any RON 95 subsidy rationalisation.
"Putrajaya had excluded Sarawak from diesel subsidy rationalisation because a big population of Sarawakians use diesel.
"Putrajaya must also exclude Sarawak from the impending RON 95 subsidy rationalisation.
"Though we understand that the federal government wants to rationalise the subsidy mechanism to prevent abuses, the situation in Sarawak is unique.
"Most Sarawakians are not high income earners, so any petrol price hike will end up as a big financial burden," he said in a statement.
Sim said Sarawak is also a top oil producing state in Malaysia.
"For 60 years, Sarawak contributed billions in oil and gas revenue to the federal government that has led to much development progress throughout Malaysia.
"Since Sarawak is still a top oil and gas revenue earner for the country, it is only right that it be given special exemption from any RON 95 petrol hike," he said.
SUPP is a component party of the Gabungan Parti Sarawak state government. – March 31, 2025
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