Malaysia’s policy of subsidising fuel has resulted in losses of RM4.5 million or 3 million litres of diesel that is smuggled abroad each day, according to Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali.
Consumer associations have backed the government's proposed targeted RON95 petrol subsidy programme, which is due to be implemented in the second half of 2024.
The granting of a blanket diesel subsidy gives room for unscrupulous parties to misappropriate or smuggle this commodity in the black market, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
The government is expected to increase its subsidy allocation next year on the back of rising oil prices, which could lead to higher subsidy for petroleum products, said Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli.
The government may have to bear more than RM100 billion in subsidies annually if the world crude oil price hits US$100 a barrel, according to Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli.
The Malaysian Muslim Restaurant Owners’ Association (Presma) will proceed with suing a TikTok user for making defamatory claims about food preparation and cleanliness at mamak restaurants.
Langkah Dubai, a move by the opposition to topple Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s administration, is allegedly masterminded by former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and his right-hand man Tun Daim Zainuddin.
