Tomorrow marks the distribution of the first batch of monthly cash assistance to 30,000 registered diesel vehicle owners under the Budi Madani initiative
Budi Madani Has Benefited Those Reliant on Pickup Trucks for Their Daily Business Operations
The targeted implementation of diesel subsidies “Budi Madani” has been hailed as a fitting strategy to provide effective support to specific demographics while curbing resource wastage. According to the latest report from the Bernama News Agency, this approach has notably benefited private vehicle owners, particularly those reliant on pickup trucks for their daily business operations.
Azhar Ahmad, a 64-year-old farmer specializing in durian and mangosteen cultivation in Kedah’s Yan district, relies heavily on his pickup truck to ferry fruit yields from his orchard. Often making more than eight round trips, Azhar acknowledges the strain of covering fuel expenses independently. However, he finds relief in the government’s targeted subsidy, which helps alleviate some of his financial burdens.
“I work for myself, so I have to bear the costs of fuel and other necessities. Diesel prices are high compared to before, but with the government’s targeted subsidy and assistance, it helps to somewhat ease my financial burden,” he told Bernama.
Similarly, Tan Guan Cheong, a 60-year-old entrepreneur managing a laundry detergent business in Jitra, relies on his pickup truck to distribute bulk detergent orders across various districts. For Tan, the assistance underscores the government’s commitment to easing the financial pressures faced by small-scale traders dependent on diesel fuel for their operations.
“This assistance shows the government’s concern in alleviating the burden of small traders like me who use diesel for fuel. Every day, I need to deliver supplies to customers using a pickup truck because it is the only large vehicle I have that can carry goods in big quantities,” he said.
Contrary to expectations, a recent survey conducted by Bernama in the Kuala Lumpur revealed no significant surge in fuel purchases at petrol stations. This observation comes in the wake of Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan’s announcement of the revised diesel retail price of RM3.35 per litre, effective 10 June 2024, reflecting the prevailing market rates under the Automatic Pricing Mechanism formula.
The Budi Madani initiative, aimed at supporting private diesel vehicle owners, including small-scale farmers, extends monthly cash assistance of RM200 (£33.3). Registration for this program commenced on May 28, coinciding with the rollout of the targeted diesel subsidy. Tomorrow marks the distribution of the first batch of monthly cash assistance to 30,000 registered diesel vehicle owners under the Budi Madani initiative.
