KUCHING: Sarawak, Sabah and Labuan have maintained their diesel prices, receiving positive reactions from the public as they remain the only states without a price hike.
Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan announced that effective on Monday the new diesel price in Peninsular Malaysia was set at RM3.35 per litre. However, in Sarawak, Sabah, and Labuan, the price will stay at RM2.15 per litre.
Hii Yii Ken, 31, an employee at a logistics company, said that if Sarawak and Sabah were to experience similar hikes like West Malaysia, it would significantly affect businesses’ operational costs, especially those reliant on diesel, such as construction, shipping, and transport sectors.
“Consumers will face increased costs of living, changing spending patterns, which could adversely affect many businesses,” he said.
Shawnne Gan, a fitness and nutrition coach was relieved that Sarawak, Sabah, and Labuan avoided the diesel price increase.
“The sudden price hike of RM1.20 per litre in West Malaysia will significantly impact the cost of living. Food prices and even goods and services will likely increase as businesses pass on the transportation costs,” she said.
The 30-year-old also said that the price changes will reduce disposable income and could tighten the financial situation for many Sarawakians.
Meanwhile, Aman Lawan supported the decision to maintaining diesel subsidies in these regions.
“We have many rural areas that depend on diesel-powered vehicles for transportation to towns and cities. An increase in prices would thus burden the community there,” he said.
Mohd Haidil Sulaiman, who owns a furniture company, also touched on the logistical benefits.
“The exemption is very helpful to maintain product prices. If diesel prices were to rise in Sarawak, other charges would increase as well,” he added.
