A federal MP from Sarawak has cautioned that the administration’s newly imposed daily diesel purchase limit is inflicting genuine difficulties on residents in the state’s far-flung regions.

Under the June policy, motorists across Malaysia are restricted to no more than 12 litres of diesel per day—a measure intended to curb hoarding and black-market trading, yet those living in Sarawak’s rural districts argue it leaves them without sufficient fuel for vital chores.

During yesterday’s session in Parliament, the MP representing a rural Sarawak constituency informed the Transport and Trade ministries that households in interior villages rely on diesel to operate water pumps, energise small businesses, power fishing vessels and keep generators running amid erratic electricity supply. With each individual limited to just 12 litres at service stations daily, he noted, families must choose between essential needs or journey afar to fill up.

“We recognise the government’s aim to thwart illicit fuel dealings and wish diesel to remain available for those most in need,” the MP remarked. “Nonetheless, a uniform cap fails to consider our rural communities’ unique challenges. They already face increased costs for necessities; rationing diesel further compounds the hardships of interior living.”

He called on the Ministry of Transport and the Ministry of International Trade and Industry to explore an exemption or voucher scheme enabling households in specified areas to purchase extra litres without facilitating grey-market diversion. He also pressed for collaboration with Sarawak’s state authorities and village leaders to oversee distribution and guarantee that quotas reach their intended recipients.

In reply, both ministries acknowledged awareness of the issues and promised to evaluate targeted exemption proposals. They emphasised that any modifications must guard against fuel smuggling while still catering to legitimate agricultural, fisheries, and remote power generation needs.

The Sarawak Minister for Rural Development and Regeneration, whose responsibilities include many impacted districts, voiced support for a more adaptable policy. “We do not object to steps aimed at preventing kerosene and diesel from leaking into the black market,” he affirmed, “but we equally cannot deprive our farmers, fishers and small business operators of the fuel essential to their livelihoods.” He added that state bodies stand ready to assist in crafting a system that balances enforcement with equitable access.

Meanwhile, several rural cooperative leaders have started petitioning village councils to record typical household diesel consumption, aiming to present precise statistics when federal delegations visit next month. Local fishermen report needing upwards of 40 litres in a single fill to reach and return from fishing grounds—far exceeding the 12-litre allowance—and warn that the cap may drive them towards unregulated markets.

As discussions persist, Sarawak’s interior residents are closely watching for any indication that authorities will relax the diesel limit or introduce a dedicated rural quota. Until then, many depend on shared transport and communal pumps to maximise their daily fuel allotment.



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