Kuala lumpur: The BUDI MADANI Diesel (BUDI Diesel) mobile counter programme is set for potential expansion into Sabah and Sarawak, aiming to bridge the gap for rural and remote communities with limited access to digital services. Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Sabah and Sarawak) Datuk Mustapha Sakmud emphasized the need for a more direct approach due to the geographical challenges faced by these regions.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Mustapha stressed the importance of bringing services closer to the people, rather than relying solely on online platforms. He proposed collaboration with various local leadership structures and agencies in both states, such as the Community Development Leader Unit (UPPM) in Sabah, Community Leaders and Chiefs (KMKK), and Village Development and Security Committees (JKKK) in Sarawak, alongside District Offices and the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN).
Mustapha highlighted the necessity of this approach to prevent citizens from being left behind due to a lack of information, misunderstandings of application procedures, or limited digital access. He urged enhanced cooperation between the Ministry of Finance (MOF), KPDN, and relevant agencies with grassroots community leadership to effectively disseminate information and guide residents through eligibility checks, applications, and other processes related to the BUDI Diesel programme.
The recent improvements to the BUDI Diesel scheme, announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, are particularly significant for Sabah and Sarawak. The revisions allow registered vehicle owners to transfer their eligibility to any eligible user of a private diesel vehicle and accommodate owners with multiple vehicles to transfer eligibility to up to three individuals, under certain conditions.
Mustapha acknowledged these improvements as evidence of the Prime Minister's attentiveness to the needs of Sabah and Sarawak residents. He noted that for policies to meet their objectives, grassroots communities must benefit from the provided facilities. Mustapha also committed to ensuring that feedback on the implementation of BUDI Diesel in these regions remains a priority at Cabinet meetings.