NIBONG TEBAL: The owners of some 180,000 vehicles transporting goods, eligible for subsidised diesel, have yet to apply for it.
Deputy Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Fuziah Salleh urged the owners of these vehicles to apply for subsidised diesel immediately
She said there were 389,000 such vehicles registered with the Road Transport Department (RTD).
"However, only about 209,000 vehicles have applied for the subsidised diesel approval.
"We urge the (owners of the) remaining 180,000 vehicles which are eligible to apply for subsidised diesel approval.
"This is to ensure that they enjoy its benefits and do not raise their prices and pass them on to consumers," she said at the Bijak Belanja Pengguna dan Jualan Rahmah Madani programme at C Mart Premium in Bandar Tasek Mutiara in Simpang Ampat, near here, today.
A total of 33 types of public and goods transport vehicles are set to continue enjoying subsidised diesel through the use of fleet cards under the Subsidised Diesel Regulation System (SKDS).
Asked what are among the reasons these vehicle owners did not apply for subsidised diesel approval, Fuziah said some might not be aware that they are eligible for it.
As such, she advised them to log into the ministry's website to check on their eligibility.
"The approval is almost instantaneous. Subsequently, they can register for the fleet cards and choose from three oil companies, which may take some time.
"Until then, they can keep their diesel purchase receipts and we will refund them in full (later)," she added.
Fuziah said the government was still open to discussions.
She said those who believed they are eligible for subsidised diesel could still apply to the ministry for consideration.
"They can be represented by their associations. In fact, we are meeting a new association tomorrow.
"If we think they are eligible for the subsidised diesel, we will approve their applications," she said.
Meanwhile, Fuziah said the ministry would continue to monitor the prices in the market to ensure no one indiscriminately raised their prices.
"If we believe there is a need for actions to be taken against them, we will do so without hesitation," she said.