KOTA KINABALU: August 3, 2026 – The use of the Malaysian identity card (MyKad) as a mechanism for purchasing subsidised fuel is the fairest approach to ensure the facility is reserved solely for Malaysian citizens, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Food Security Datuk Chan Foong Hin said while pfficiating the Merdeka Jalur Gemilang Convoy event last Saturday.
“The use of MyKad ensures equality of rights among citizens, and has proven effective in curbing leakage,” he told reporters after attending a community programme in the city.
He added that the implementation of the BUDIDiesel programme in Sabah should be given flexibility, given the differing fuel usage patterns compared with Peninsular Malaysia.
In a separate push to foster national unity, Mr Chan described the new practice of holding Merdeka convoys at public markets as an effective way to deliver the message of unity directly to the grassroots, while strengthening ties among the multi-ethnic community.
“Having gone through various political scenarios, it is vital that we close ranks and rekindle the spirit of unity,” he said, urging the public to fly the Jalur Gemilang and Sabah flags ahead of the 31 August National Day celebrations.
Meanwhile, he said the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (KPKM) is currently screening data to ensure that farmers are not excluded from receiving subsidy aid, following information received from the Sabah Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry (MAFFI).
Source: JAPEN
