KUCHING, June 29 — Mas Gading Member of Parliament Mordi Bimol has urged the Federal Government to introduce Sarawak-specific adjustments to the BUDI MADANI diesel subsidy scheme ahead of its full implementation on July 1, 2026, citing the state’s unique geographical and logistical challenges.

He said it was crucial that no community is left behind under the nationwide diesel subsidy restructuring, particularly in regions like Sarawak where long-distance travel and difficult terrain are part of daily life.

Mordi expressed hope that national policies would be implemented in a manner that reflects the realities on the ground while safeguarding the welfare of rural communities.

To ensure socio-economic fairness, business sustainability, and continued economic growth, he proposed two key adjustments for Sarawak.

Firstly, he called for the monthly subsidised diesel quota for eligible diesel vehicle owners in Sarawak to be increased to 500 litres. He argued that the current allocation of 200 litres, with an additional 100 litres for pickup trucks and SUVs, may be suitable for urban areas but is insufficient for Sarawak’s vast geographical landscape.

“In constituencies such as Mas Gading and other rural parts of Sarawak, travelling long distances across challenging terrain is a daily necessity rather than a luxury. Raising the monthly quota to 500 litres would help ease inflationary pressures on households and smallholders,” he said in a statement.

Secondly, Mordi urged the government to include tipper lorries and concrete mixer trucks under the Subsidised Diesel Control System (SKDS) fleet card scheme.

He warned that excluding these heavy vehicles, which are essential for transporting construction materials such as sand, gravel, and concrete, could drive up construction costs and hinder infrastructure development in Sarawak, where logistics expenses are already significantly higher than in Peninsular Malaysia.

“Extending SKDS fleet card eligibility to these critical heavy vehicles is necessary to ensure the smooth implementation of rural development projects and to support the state’s construction sector,” he said.

Mordi stressed that the MADANI Government has consistently promoted inclusive and flexible governance, adding that national policy implementation should take regional realities into account to ensure equitable treatment across all states.

He expressed hope that the relevant ministries and agencies would give due consideration to Sarawak’s concerns before the nationwide rollout of the BUDI MADANI diesel subsidy scheme on July 1.

According to Mordi, a policy approach grounded in the realities faced by Sarawakians would enable the subsidy rationalisation programme to achieve its fiscal objectives without compromising the welfare, livelihoods, or development of communities across the state.