JOHOR BARU: The Central Database Hub (Padu) has been given until the end of the year to streamline all data related to the implementation of targeted fuel subsidies for RON95 petrol and diesel, says Datuk Seri Salahuddin Ayub.
The Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister said that the implementation is expected to begin next year, and the government will use the given time to ensure that there is no room for any loopholes.
"If we are to enforce this, we need to really ensure that this will reach those who are targeted to receive it and that there will be no losses.
"The National Economic Action Council (MTEN) agreed in a meeting on Wednesday (May 17) to hand over the coordination task to Padu, so they would have time until the end of this year to do that," he said.
He said this when met by reporters at the Pulai MP's Hari Raya Open House at Taman Rekreasi Taman Uda Utama, here, on Saturday (May 20).
On Monday (May 15), Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the government has implemented a subsidy targeting programme in stages starting in January 2023, when the government will no longer provide full electricity tariff subsidies to large companies that use a large amount of electricity.
He said targeted and sustainable subsidy management is a priority in ensuring government spending was channelled to development needs that can provide higher added value to the national economy.
Anwar, who is also the Finance Minister, said the nation’s diesel subsidy system should be improved as the country’s subsidy liability jumped to RM13bil last year.
