The increase in Singapore travel agency transport fares is proof that diesel subsidy targeting should continue

BUKIT MERTAJAM: The increase in transport fares charged by Singapore travel agencies and passenger buses as well as a series of arrests of diesel embezzlement syndicates at the country’s borders prove that the targeting of fuel subsidies should continue, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

Berita Harian reported, he said targeting diesel subsidies is very important for the country to save funds that are leaked and misused by irresponsible parties.

“All tourist buses and tourism companies from Singapore want to raise prices because they say they can’t get diesel subsidies, which means that for decades, our subsidies went to Singapore companies, went to Siamese fishing boats. There is a lot of (fund) leakage.

“Subsidies are benefited by 3.8 million foreigners, brought out to Siam, he sends them to Siamese fishing boats… who pay taxes for Malaysians but who benefit from foreigners,” he said at the Victims Council.

The Prime Minister with the Ministers at Jamek Cherok Tok Kun Bawah Mosque here today.

Anwar, who is also the Finance Minister, said that the amount of car production from 2012 to 2020 was little compared to the soaring increase in diesel produced because the fuel involved was enjoyed by foreigners.

The Prime Minister, however, did not deny that there were some problems following the diesel subsidy targeting measures implemented for the first time in Malaysia, but promised to improve the weaknesses.

He also admitted to being open to receiving any suggestions regarding the diesel subsidy targeting implemented.

“I take an open attitude, if there are some weaknesses, let us know, we will fix them. This is an initial attempt that will certainly face some problems, I do not deny it, but it is not possible to make it look like a tyrannical government,” he said.

He said the government and previous leaders also agreed on the targeting of diesel subsidies because it was the right move to avoid the waste of subsidies, thus returning the savings to the people.

Touching on the drop in the retail price of chicken eggs, Anwar said it was the first step to return the subsidy targeting savings to the people because it is the food most consumed by the people at the lower level.

“We did a study (and found) the family that uses eggs the most is eggs, average, poor families take four eggs a day. Therefore, we discuss with the company and ask about the profit and lower the price of eggs a little but there is no loss (for the company) and if there is a way – other ways, I can try,” he said.

Yesterday, Anwar announced that the retail price of grade A, B and C chicken eggs across the country was reduced by three cents per egg.

Earlier, he and his wife Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail spent time with the local community and distributed Aidiladha meat to the needy.