The government should take into consideration public views before implementing the proposed new petrol subsidy distribution system, says Seputeh MP Teresa Kok. In a statement, she proposed that the government set up a bi-partisan parliamentary select committee to engage the public and obtain feedback on the new system before implementation.

“I call on the government not to be hasty in implementing any new proposal,” she said, adding that public views should be taken into account for the government to propose a fair and reasonable fuel subsidy distribution system.

Sin Chew Daily’s report quoting an unnamed government source revealed that a new petrol subsidy system would be implemented, based on the income users. Reportedly, the new system would divide consumers into three categories based on income level.

Those who are earning less than RM5,000 a month who have an automobile engine capacity of below 2,000cc, and motorists in that salary bracket,  would be eligible for limitless petrol subsidy, while consumers earning from RM 5000 to 10 000 would be restricted to 300 litres of RON95 monthly. The subsidised RON 95 petrol would cost RM 2.10 per litter

Consumers who have a monthly income of more than RM 10000 would not be able to take advantage of the subsidy, and will be forced to use RON 97 fuel at RM2.80 per litre.

“Such a proposal has as expected caused wide anxiety and met with public objections as evident in the printed and internet media,” said Teresa Kok who added that if the system were implemented, it will cause great inconvenience and burden to the motorists as it would involve submission of income documents by motorists to prove eligibility.

This would result in motorists having to pay more for petrol, she said.

She explained also, that the government should not be merely push for savings at the expense of the people as the Goods and Services Tax (GST) that would begin April next year would also escalate cost of living.

There is also a view amongst many motorists who described the proposal as the government’s way to increase petrol costs which will cause a chain effect on costs of other goods, she added.

Although Secretary-general of the Ministry of Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism (KPDNKK), Alias Ahmad has said that  the Sin Chew reports are mere speculations, Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Minister Hasan Malek has said yesterday that the ministry was gathering ideas and proposals before deciding on the best mechanism that could benefit all parties.

Referencing Prime Minister Najib Razak’s “the era the government knows best is over” quote, Teresa Kok asked the BN administration to “walk the talk”, and not just carry on with their petrol subsidy distribution proposal without the consent of the people. -The Rocket