KUCHING: The federal government move of getting Malaysian households that earn more than RM3,900 a month to pay more for RON95 fuel and diesel will be adversely affect those in the middle-income group, said Datuk Seri Doris Sophia Brodie.
The Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) Women chief said that Pakatan Harapan (PH) must address the impact it will cause to the middle income as well and not just transfer the burden from one group to another.
“While I am supportive of any initiatives that can lessen the burden of the less fortunate in this country including those of B40, they (middle income groups) shouldn’t be loaded with the burden unfairly. After all, they are taxpayers too,” she said.
Besides, Doris said the list of the B40 group might not be comprehensive enough. Hence, those residing in the rural areas and not in the “registered list” would not benefit from the subsidy system.
“From my point of view, the average wage earners of RM5,000 to RM8,000 are already having a hard time coping with the rising cost of living, especially in the urban areas,” she pointed out.
Doris said the additional higher fuel price would escalate their cost.
“I am also of the opinion that fuel is a commodity goods and a necessity for everyone. Therefore, if there is going to be any benefit scheme to be given by the federal government, the benefits should be inclusive and enjoyed by all, and not only by the targeted few,” she stressed.
On Sept 30, Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Deputy Minister Chong Chieng Jen said those earning more than RM3,900 a month needed to pay more for fuel.
The plan, he said, was to help the B40 group who earned a monthly income of RM3,900 and below.
He said once the federal government implemented the targeted fuel subsidy plan, those eligible would enjoy a subsidy of RM30 per month for vehicles, or 30 sen for every litre of RON95 petrol capped at 100 litres a month, while RM12 would be given to every motorcyclist per month.
