KUANTAN: The number of public transport and goods vehicles registered for the Bantuan Subsidi Madani programme (Budi Madani) MySubsidi Diesel remains unsatisfactory, according to Deputy Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Fuziah Salleh.

She said that based on the latest data, only 259,141 out of 410,000 eligible vehicles have applied under the Diesel Subsidy Control System (SKDS) as of yesterday morning.

If this trend continues to persist, it could lead to an increase in the price of goods, said Fuziah.

“Traders, whether using vans, pickup trucks, or one- to three-tonne lorries, are generally found to have not registered with MySubsidi Diesel.

“Factors contributing to this situation include traders being too busy with their business, having their applications rejected, relying on others to apply, or having registered but not yet obtained a fleet card,” she told reporters after the Budi Madani engagement session at a farmers’ market here yesterday, Bernama reported.

Fuziah said the individual category is facing a similar issue, with only 100,000 out of 300,000 eligible diesel vehicle owners registered.

To address this issue, the ministry will open more outreach counters in strategic locations to facilitate registration for Budi MySubsidi Diesel, Budi Madani and Budi Agri-Komoditi, she said.

“This matter must be addressed because if eligible recipients do not receive the targeted diesel subsidy, the cost of goods will increase, indirectly affecting both traders and consumers,” she added.

Meanwhile, Fuziah said 24,154 inspections have been carried out across the country since Ops Kesan 2.0 began.

In addition, she said 244 notices under the Price Control Anti-Profiteering Act 2011 have been issued, requiring traders to provide explanations for any increases in goods and services prices following changes in diesel prices.

With the government rationalisation exercise on June 10, the diesel price in Peninsular Malaysia started retailing at RM3.35 per litre.

A total of 33 types of vehicles under the SKDS continue to enjoy subsidised diesel at RM2.15 per litre via the fleet card system.

https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/08/05/diesel-subsidy-applications-pending