The government is ready to expand the new Budi Madani RON95 (BUDI95) initiative to benefit small passenger boat operators, especially in Sabah and Sarawak.
Finance Minister II, Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan said the government does not see any obstacles in extending the scheme to passenger boat operators as they are important in providing services to rural and island communities.
He also said the government is ready to work with the state governments of Sabah and Sarawak as passenger boat operators depend on subsidized fuel to sustain their operations.
Discussions with state authorities will help identify eligible operators and ensure that the implementation of the scheme is carried out fairly, efficiently and free from abuse.
The statement was made to reporters when he visited the Petroleum Nasional Bhd (Petronas) petrol station in Jalan Pohon Batu yesterday.
BUDI95 aims to channel subsidies directly to those who really need it, and the participation of small passenger boat operators will further strengthen the effectiveness of the assistance.
The expansion of the scheme to passenger boat operators will not only reduce operating costs, but will also benefit residents who rely on water transport for daily travel.
