Ensure no price gouging, PAS urges govt after diesel subsidies lifted

PAS is calling on the government to enhance monitoring and enforcement to prevent businesses from unjustly raising prices after the removal of blanket subsidies for diesel.

This appeal follows the government’s decision to eliminate blanket diesel subsidies starting today, leading to pump prices reflecting the market rate of RM3.35 per litre, an increase from the previous RM2.15 per litre.

In a statement last night, PAS secretary-general Takiyuddin Hassan welcomed the government’s goal of improving financial sustainability and addressing subsidy leakages.

However, he expressed concerns about the potential negative impact on the public.

“PAS hopes that the target groups, such as producers, transport services, farmers, low-income groups, and others, will be fully covered under the exemption measures provided through an easily accessible registration process.

“PAS also hopes the government will enhance domestic monitoring and enforcement roles to prevent those who take advantage of raising prices or manipulating the market, which will undoubtedly have a negative impact on the economy and the lives of the people,” he added.

Monthly allowance

The government has initiated an RM200 monthly allowance for eligible private users as a substitute for the removed subsidies.

Additionally, specific subsidy initiatives have been introduced for the agriculture, fishing, logistics, and public transportation sectors.

The government argues that with these sectors covered, businesses should not increase prices by citing higher diesel costs.

PAS stressed the need for proactive enforcement to ensure the measures are effective and to address any inefficiencies swiftly.

“Besides that, there is a concern regarding the government’s ability to manage the significant leakage issues, especially from diesel smuggling activities to neighbouring countries,” Takiyuddin added.

‘Plague of inflation’

Meanwhile, Bachok MP Syahir Sulaiman said the subsidy removal for diesel in the peninsula would trigger a “plague of inflation”, affecting the already struggling rakyat.

He also said the higher costs would be pushed to all products and services offered, which requires the authorities to step up monitoring activities to prevent price gouging.

“Moving forward, we also need to monitor household debt figures and personal loans taken up by the people.

“This is due to concerns that the domestic demand driving our economy could be because of high debt incurred by the people," he added.

RM200 enough to offset higher diesel price for most users - MOF

Diesel subsidies at the pump to be removed starting Monday

Agriculture Ministry to review farmer appeals on diesel subsidies

MCA: Budi Madani subsidy scheme ‘too tight’, needs revision

Minister defends new Budi database, explains difference with Padu