SNAPSHOT | K'tan reps' bike convoy to airport slammed; MOT moots way to lower road tax for diesel vehicles

KINI SNAPSHOT | What's going on in the news today, with updates at 11am, 2pm and 6pm.

6pm

Road safety

• Transport Minister Anthony Loke today criticised the actions of several Kelantan state assembly members in organising a motorcycle convoy to Sultan Ismail Petra Airport in Kota Bharu, describing it as highly irresponsible.

  In a statement on Facebook, Loke said the airport is a strategic and sensitive area where security must be maintained at all times to ensure the smooth and uninterrupted movement of passengers.

  He also questioned whether the organisers would be willing to compensate passengers should congestion cause them to miss their flights, and whether prior approval had been obtained from the authorities, as required by law.

  Loke added that, to ensure safety and the smooth operation of the airport, he had instructed the Road Transport Department (RTD) to work with the traffic police to set up roadblocks this afternoon and inspect all motorcycles entering the airport area, including those ridden by elected representatives.

Road tax

• The Transport Ministry has proposed a mechanism to reduce road tax rates for diesel vehicles, aiming to ease the financial burden on the public following rising fuel costs.

  Bernama reported Loke saying that the proposal has been submitted to the National Economic Action Council secretariat, as part of broader government efforts to support diesel vehicle owners.

  

  Earlier, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said the government is considering reducing road tax for diesel vehicles soon. He tasked the Transport Ministry with identifying a suitable mechanism for it.

  Loke explained that the proposal aligns with the government’s approach to managing diesel prices, which are set on a floating basis to ensure market transparency and to curb leakages and smuggling.

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