KUALA LUMPUR: The government's plan to introduce targeted subsidies for electricity and diesel are in the works but those for RON95 petrol will be slightly delayed, says Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan.
"We are looking into targeted subsidies for electricity and diesel. We might delay targeted subsidies on RON95.
"When will the targeted subsidies be implemented? Wait for the announcement," the Deputy Finance Minister said during his winding-up speech on Budget 2023 at the committee stage in Parliament on Monday (March 13).
Presently, electricity tariffs for low voltage non-domestic users such as micro businesses and small and medium-sized enterprises are being subsidised.
In February, Ahmad told the Dewan Rakyat that the government could save up to RM17bil if it decides to implement a targeted petrol subsidy mechanism.
Ahmad said that RM50.8bil was spent on subsidies for petrol, diesel, and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) in 2022.
Ahmad also said that there was RM10.9bil in unclaimed monies with the Accountant-General's Department.
"RM10.9bil is a large sum and we will ensure that there is public awareness on this," he said.
He added that several measures would be carried out to help make the claims.
Among the measures, he said, was to set up an online portal for checks, counters at the Accountant-General's Department and special booths.
Meanwhile, Ahmad said there would be an announcement on the implementation of the luxury goods tax in June this year.
