PAPAR, Aug 22 (Bernama) -- The Federal government is expected to announce improvements to the diesel subsidy mechanism in less than a month, said Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali.
He said the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) is optimistic that the announcement could be made earlier than the one to two-month timeframe estimated previously.
Armizan said KPDN is optimistic about the timeframe as engagement sessions with relevant parties had been held and all feedback had been submitted to the Ministry of Finance (MOF).
“Feedback and input from the Sabah and Sarawak state governments, as well as KPDN, have been fully conveyed to the MOF as the Federal government agency responsible for the matter.
“Several improvements have been identified to ensure that the implementation of the subsidy continues to safeguard the interests of the people,” he told reporters after officiating the Sentuhan Kasih programme, Rahmah MADANI Sale and Safe Internet Campaign here today.
On Aug 16, Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan was reported as saying that several improvements to the targeted diesel subsidy system were being studied and would be announced by the government within the next one to two months.
According to Amir Hamzah, the improvements included simplifying the application process, relaxing eligibility criteria concerning taking over hire-purchase vehicles (sambung bayar) and allowing quota transfers to immediate family members.
Meanwhile, Armizan said KPDN has opened investigation papers under the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act against two ferry operators that have raised ferry fares in Kudat for trips between Kudat and Banggi Island.
He said the companies had not responded to a notice requesting information issued at the end of March, prompting him to direct the Malaysia Competition Commission (MyCC) to investigate possible elements of price-fixing.
“I directed MyCC to begin an investigation following complaints that there were elements of collusion, as both companies had jointly announced fare increases. Any element of price-fixing is a violation of the Competition Act,” he said.
On claims that the ferry operators are not receiving diesel subsidies, he explained that public passenger ferries are eligible for subsidised diesel using skid tanks, subject to application to the Malaysia Marine Department.
“However, our checks found that both ferry companies have yet to submit their official applications, despite having been advised to do so by the authorities,” he said.
As such, Armizan proposed that the Sabah government study taking over the regulatory and licensing of passenger ferries under the Sabah Ports and Harbour Department to open up market competition.
He said the matter would be brought to the attention of Deputy Chief Minister III Datuk Ewon Benedick, who is also Sabah Minister of Industrial Development, Entrepreneurship and Transport and is responsible for the state’s transportation and ports portfolios.
Armizan said KPDN is optimistic about the timeframe as engagement sessions with relevant parties had been held and all feedback had been submitted to the Ministry of Finance (MOF).
“Feedback and input from the Sabah and Sarawak state governments, as well as KPDN, have been fully conveyed to the MOF as the Federal government agency responsible for the matter.
“Several improvements have been identified to ensure that the implementation of the subsidy continues to safeguard the interests of the people,” he told reporters after officiating the Sentuhan Kasih programme, Rahmah MADANI Sale and Safe Internet Campaign here today.
On Aug 16, Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan was reported as saying that several improvements to the targeted diesel subsidy system were being studied and would be announced by the government within the next one to two months.
According to Amir Hamzah, the improvements included simplifying the application process, relaxing eligibility criteria concerning taking over hire-purchase vehicles (sambung bayar) and allowing quota transfers to immediate family members.
Meanwhile, Armizan said KPDN has opened investigation papers under the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act against two ferry operators that have raised ferry fares in Kudat for trips between Kudat and Banggi Island.
He said the companies had not responded to a notice requesting information issued at the end of March, prompting him to direct the Malaysia Competition Commission (MyCC) to investigate possible elements of price-fixing.
“I directed MyCC to begin an investigation following complaints that there were elements of collusion, as both companies had jointly announced fare increases. Any element of price-fixing is a violation of the Competition Act,” he said.
On claims that the ferry operators are not receiving diesel subsidies, he explained that public passenger ferries are eligible for subsidised diesel using skid tanks, subject to application to the Malaysia Marine Department.
“However, our checks found that both ferry companies have yet to submit their official applications, despite having been advised to do so by the authorities,” he said.
As such, Armizan proposed that the Sabah government study taking over the regulatory and licensing of passenger ferries under the Sabah Ports and Harbour Department to open up market competition.
He said the matter would be brought to the attention of Deputy Chief Minister III Datuk Ewon Benedick, who is also Sabah Minister of Industrial Development, Entrepreneurship and Transport and is responsible for the state’s transportation and ports portfolios.