Effective Monday (June 10), the diesel price has been set to RM3.35 per liter, an increase from the previous RM2.15 per liter price. Sabah, Sarawak, and Labuan, however, are still being charged the lower price for diesel.
The targeted subsidy for diesel received many criticisms from many parties but according to Prime Minister Dato Seri Anwar Ibrahim, the step was necessary.
“We had to make this unpopular decision to save the country from economic crisis.”
Anwar also admitted that no one wanted a targeted subsidy and regardless of the decision he came up with, he was bound to get criticisms from all sides.
“No matter what we do, we will be criticised with defamation and lies,” PMX added.
In a live session posted on his Facebook this morning (June 11), Anwar highlighted that the decision for targeted subsidy had been agreed by ministers in the past.
“I see those in Songkok and turbans continue to lie, and I’m just doing what had been agreed before.”
Through the latest targeted subsidy, the government is expected to save around RM8 billion, which can be given to the rakyat in the form of cash. According to Berita Harian, the targeted subsidy has been planned since the tabling of Budget 2024 last year, but it was launched with diesel because the fuel is easier to handle.
What do you think of the government’s decision for the targeted subsidy?
Also read: PMX Reminds Civil Servants that Only Those Who Perform Well at Work Deserve the 13% Increment
