by David E.
KOTA KINABALU: August 4, 2026 – For residents of Kota Belud and Papar who endure hours of commuting to the city every day, the monthly diesel subsidy of 200 litres is often inadequate, forcing them to bear burdensome additional costs.
The Sabah Hardcore Poor Assistance Organisation (BOSS) has proposed that the government introduce a subsidy mechanism based on actual need. Its president, Datuk Kenny Chua, said individuals and businesses should be allowed to declare their monthly diesel consumption.
“There are people who drive from Kota Belud or Papar to work every day. Even if the government raises the subsidy to 300 or 500 litres, it may still not be enough,” he said.
Chua stressed that the existing mechanism must take into account Sabah’s unique geography. He said he supported efforts to curb subsidy leakage, but added that the impact on ordinary people must also be considered.
The Sabah government is currently in negotiations with the Ministry of Finance to refine the Budi Madani programme. Deputy Minister of Agriculture Datuk Chan Foong Hin has also proposed a verification system using MyKad identity cards to address eligibility issues.
Chua also urged the federal government to speed up the disbursement of an interim special allocation of RM1.5 billion to Sabah.
“Sabahans have suffered long enough. The people want to see that money used to meet Sabah’s needs,” he said.
He called on Minister Datuk Mustapha Sakmud to provide a timeline for the payment. Discussions on the 40% entitlement could continue, he said, but should not delay the interim disbursement.
“The government has already made the announcement. Now is the time to honour that commitment,” he stressed.
Source: BOSS
