The annual diesel quotas for Sabah should be increased to ensure the
current shortage of the fuel for consumers will not recur.
Sabah
Backbenchers' Club Datuk Abdul Rahim Ismail said the move would able to
address the problem from becoming worse and prevent suffering among the
consumers.
He also welcomed the Domestic Trade, Co-operatives and
Consumerism Ministry requesting eight million litres for Sabah's July
quota to overcome the shortage.
"Requesting additional quota for
Sabah is good news and reflects that the Government is serious in
resolving the problem plaguing consumers.
It is a hands-on action
to prevent the problem turning into an acute shortage of the fuel.
"However, I strongly believe that the diesel quota for Sabah should be
raised and not only for July but on an annual basis because the State is
undergoing rapid development as many industries are growing as well as
the property market.
"Hence, the demand for the fuel is rising and there is a need to raise the quota to meet the needs," he said.
Rahim,
who is also Papar Umno Division Chief, said this after presenting Raya
cash donations to 500 underprivileged people including orphans and
single mothers at Datuk Salleh Sulong hall here on Saturday.
The
annual programme was organised by Umno Papar together with Papar
parliamentary office and Bernas. Works Deputy Minister Datuk Rosnah
Abdul Rashid Shirlin also contributed goodie bags containing basic food
to the recipients and Bernas donated rice packs.
Rahim, who is
also Pantai Manis Assemblyman, said Sabah should be given the priority
to get more quotas for diesel as the State is among the top oil
producers in the country.
In addition, he said the State has
demonstrated strong political strength and support to the Federal
Government especially in the just concluded 13th General Election.
"I received many calls from the public who wanted to know the actual cause of the shortage.
"Hence,
I am urging the relevant authorities to provide the explanation to the
consumers so that certain quarters would not manipulate the current
problem for their political mileage," Rahim said.
On Friday, the
Ministry's Sabah deputy director Suhaimi Mat Sari said it has requested
for an additional eight million litres of diesel for Sabah's July quota
to overcome the shortage.
He said the normal monthly quota for
Sabah is 74 million and the extra eight million litres is meant to cater
for the need of diesel in Sabah for the rest of July.
Suhaimi also speculated that the shortage could be a result of the impending festive season as Hari Raya is approaching.
Source: New Sabah Times
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