KUCHING: Datuk Sim Kiang Chiok from the Sarawak United Peoples’ Party (SUPP) Stakan branch is calling for Sarawak to be exempted from the RON95 petrol subsidy rationalisation.
He argued that the state’s economic contributions and small population warrant special consideration.
“Sarawakians have long contributed to the national GDP for over 60 years, and only recently have we started to receive what is owed to us through the promises made in the Malaysia Agreement 1963.
“After over six decades of shouldering the responsibility of building Malaysia, it is not unreasonable to ask that our small population not be further burdened by a petrol price hike,” he said in a statement today.
While acknowledging the federal government’s efforts to reduce subsidies and curb inefficiencies, Sim questioned why Sarawak should be included in the petrol rationalisation process, given its role as a major producer of the nation’s oil and gas resources.
He argued that exempting Sarawak would have minimal impact on federal finances, as most of the country’s wealth and population are concentrated in West Malaysia.
Additionally, Sarawak’s transition towards hydrogen and electric vehicles would further reduce the need for petrol subsidies in the state.
“Maintaining the current petrol price in Sarawak, similar to the diesel pricing structure, would be an equitable and practical solution to the state’s unique challenges,” he added.
He also suggested that the federal government enhance smuggling controls through increased surveillance to ensure that fuel subsidies are effectively targeted and not misused.
Sim urged leaders in Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) and the federal government to consider following the precedent set by the Diesel Rationalisation Programme and grant Sarawak an exemption from the petrol subsidy rationalisation.
