The government has allocated RM15.9 billion for petrol and diesel subsidies this year to control the price and reduce burden on the people.

Deputy Finance Minister Donald Lim Siang Chai told the Dewan Rakyat today that government spending on petrol and diesel subsidies last year amounted to RM9.6 billion.

He was replying to a question by Bung Mokhtar Radin (BN-Kinabatangan) who wanted to know the actual amount of petrol and diesel subsidies borne by the government.     

Lim said the government is always concerned with the the people’s welfare but at the same time has to address its financial capability to give the subsidies.

“As such, the subsidies must be distributed carefully to ensure that only those in need benefit from them,” he added.

Restructuring of petrol and diesel subsidies, which saw a reduction of RM0.05 per litre twice last year, saved more than RM1.7 billion in subsidies.

- Bernama

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