SKDS: KPDN to consider cases concerning certain transport sectors

KUALA LUMPUR: The Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) is ready to consider expanding the Diesel Vehicle Subsidy Scheme (SKDS) to cover special cases in certain transport sectors, the Dewan Rakyat was told today.

Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali said among the solutions being considered are the use of Roro trucks to transport goods in areas inhabited by smallholder farmers and oil palm farmers.

“We have already taken the matter to the Ministry of Plantations and Commodities to engage with stakeholders and also to the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security to propose recommendations.

“When it comes to essential goods and services that are used by the general public, the government will consider proposing mitigation and intervention plans,” he said during a question-and-answer session at the Dewan Rakyat.

He said this in response to a supplementary question from Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin (PN-Larut) on the need to provide support to other transport sectors related to agriculture.

Armizan said that currently 33 modes of public and freight transport are eligible to apply for SKDS.

In the meantime, the ministry will continue to hold meetings with oil companies involved in fleet operations to expedite the issuance of fleet cards.

“We acknowledge the concerns and challenges that users face with fleet cards and will continue to work with all five oil companies to accelerate their issuance,” he said.

He said this in response to a supplementary question from Khoo Poay Tiong (PH-Kota Melaka) on the government’s efforts to address the delays in issuing fleet cards to users despite the ministry’s agreement to provide assistance.