BUTTERWORTH (ANN/THE STAR) – Malaysia’s Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim urges providing feedback on issues and flaws in the diesel subsidy rationalisation to facilitate system improvements.
He emphasises that encountering initial flaws is common when initiating any new endeavour.
“Tell us so we can correct it rather than saying cruel things,” he told the press during his visit to the Aidiladha Korban Perdana sacrificial ceremony at Masjid Jamek Cerok Tokun Bawah, Bukit Mertajam here on Tuesday (June 18).
“Yes, the move did affect the people but we have to do our best to continue to provide subsidies to the deserving.
“If you think you are deserving of the subsidies, apply to us and we will help where possible,” he said in response to questions about the subsidy rationalisation after sharing that the move affected companies bordering Malaysia that illegally benefitted from diesel subsidies in the past.
“It will save us funds that have been misused by others.
“The savings from this (exercise) would be returned to the people,” he said.
Anwar stated on Monday (June 17) that the government continues to shoulder approximately MYR7 billion in diesel subsidies in Peninsular Malaysia, which have not yet been eliminated.
He emphasised that the objective of diesel subsidy rationalisation is to enhance subsidy management efficiency, curb misuse, and ensure equitable distribution to deserving beneficiaries.
The Malaysian Prime Minister underscored that the primary aim of the rationalisation policy is to halt subsidy inefficiencies and redirect savings back to benefit the broader population.
