KUALA LUMPUR - The implementation of the targeted diesel subsidy is seen as an appropriate measure to ensure effective assistance to the target groups as well reduce leakages.
Among those benefiting from the implementation are private vehicle owners, many of whom use pickup trucks for their daily business activities.
In KEDAH, durian and mangosteen farmer Azhar Ahmad, 64, said he used a pickup truck to transport fruit supplies from his orchard in Yan district, sometimes making more than eight round trips.
"I work for myself, so I have to bear the costs of fuel and other necessities. Diesel prices are high compared to before, but with the government's targeted subsidy and assistance (Budi Madani), it helps to somewhat ease my financial burden," he told Bernama.
For Tan Guan Cheong, 60, who sells laundry detergent and runs a self-service laundry business in Jitra, the pickup truck is essential for delivering dozens of bottles of detergent ordered by customers from various districts, requiring high diesel usage.
"This assistance shows the government's concern in alleviating the burden of small traders like me who use diesel for fuel.
"Every day, I need to deliver supplies to customers using a pickup truck because it is the only large vehicle I have that can carry goods in big quantities," he said.
Meanwhile, a Bernama survey around the capital city last night found no rush for fuelling up at petrol stations.
Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan yesterday announced that the retail price of diesel at all pumps in Peninsular Malaysia would be set at RM3.35 per litre, which was the market price based on the Automatic Pricing Mechanism formula, effective 12.01am, June 10.
Under the Budi Madani initiative, a cash assistance of RM200 per month is given to owners of private diesel vehicles including small farmers.
Registration for Budi Madani opened on May 28 following the implementation of the targeted diesel subsidy, and 30,000 diesel vehicle owners will receive the first monthly RM200 Budi Madani cash assistance starting tomorrow. - BERNAMA