KUCHING, June 10 — Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg has proposed the federal government seek affordable and sustainable alternative energy sources to replace diesel use.
He said such long-term efforts would eliminate the need for government-funded diesel subsidies.
“If people rely on diesel and demand subsidies whenever prices rise, they’ll just keep asking for more … Why can’t we have cheap alternative energy so we don’t have to use diesel,” he told reporters after officiating the Asia-Pacific Green Hydrogen Conference and Exhibition here today.
Abang Johari suggested the government explore innovative energy sources like hydrogen, a venture actively pursued by the Sarawak government.
“Why are we still talking about diesel when you have hydrogen? To reduce hydrogen costs, we need to completely shift from using diesel; that’s the most practical solution,” he said.
Yesterday, Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan announced that diesel at all retail stations in Peninsular Malaysia will cost RM3.35 per litre, which is the unsubsidised market price, effective 12.01am today.
Under Budi Madani, monthly cash aid of RM200 is being extended to private diesel vehicle owners, small-scale farmers and smallholders.
Registration for Budi Madani began May 28, after the implementation of targeted diesel subsidies, with the first batch of 30,000 diesel vehicle owners set to receive the assistance today.
— Bernama
