Abang Johari acknowledges complaints from rural communities which are unable to access subsidised fuel due to the lack of valid licences among local dealers, but assured that they will not be left out. – Photo by Chimon Upon

KUCHING (Oct 2): The rollout of the targeted fuel subsidy initiative Budi Madani RON95 (Budi95) in rural areas of Sarawak is being implemented in stages with priority given to areas involving security considerations, assured Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.

He acknowledged complaints from rural communities which are unable to access subsidised fuel due to the lack of valid licences among local dealers, but assured that they will not be left out.

“What I was informed is that the programme is being implemented gradually (in the rural areas), with priority given to areas involving security first.

“This is something new, and only after that will it be expanded to the wider community,” he told reporters after witnessing the Reimbursable Advisory Services (RAS) Agreement signing at a hotel here today.

Abang Johari stressed that the subsidy system, though complex, will eventually run smoothly.

“Indeed, rural areas have not been fully covered yet, but once the pilot project with the security agencies succeeds, rural communities will also be able to benefit,” he said.

The Budi95 initiative, launched by the federal government, replaces blanket subsidies with targeted assistance to ensure RON95 fuel subsidies reach households and smallholders most in need.

However, implementation has faced challenges in rural areas where fuel dealers often lack the necessary licences.

On a separate matter, Abang Johari commented on the interception of a Malaysian humanitarian flotilla to Gaza by Israeli forces, which resulted in several Malaysians being detained.

He said the mission was purely humanitarian and reaffirmed Sarawak’s support for Malaysia’s firm position on the matter as conveyed by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

“This is a humanitarian visit, they want to help the victims.

“But Sarawak is small, so we leave it to the federal government to decide… Anwar has already made Malaysia’s position very clear,” he said.