Kuala lumpur: The lack of awareness about the Subsidised Petrol Control System (SKPS) and difficulties in accessing the digital platform, particularly among elderly drivers, have been identified as key factors behind the low registration rate since the application for the system opened last week.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, All-Malaysian Taxi Association (GTSM) president Kamarudin Mohd Hussain highlighted that many public vehicle owners, especially elderly taxi drivers, are unfamiliar with digital applications. Although the process is relatively straightforward, the online navigation presents challenges for some. Kamarudin shared that he personally faced ineligibility issues due to his car being in the workshop, causing confusion and hesitation among others.
The Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) has urged public land transport and goods operators to register under SKPS to avail the RON95 petrol subsidy. Since registration began on September 15, only 1,790 companies covering 5,449 vehicles have signed up, compared to an estimated 100,000 eligible vehicles nationwide.
Kamarudin noted that out of 20,000 GTSM members, only about 2,000 registered in the initial week. To tackle this, the association plans to conduct roadshows across 12 to 14 states and create video guides to aid less tech-savvy drivers. Increased registration would benefit more drivers and help reduce rising daily operating costs.
Express Bus Operators Association secretary S. Sathies pointed out that the registration process is burdensome for many operators due to the requirement of numerous company documents. Some operators face issues with expired or misplaced documents, making the process complicated and potentially not worthwhile. Assistance is provided to members, but non-members must join the association first.
Apart from digital literacy, the lack of information remains a hurdle. Mohamad Izzuddin Yakub, founder of Team Rompin Charity Organisation, acknowledged learning about SKPS only after being contacted by BERNAMA. His organization, which operates vehicles with significant fuel costs, sees the subsidy as crucial for reducing expenses and continuing their free services.
Many hearse operators in other states are also unaware of SKPS, with some confusing it with the earlier Subsidised Diesel Control System (SKDS). Yakub stressed the importance of registering and spreading awareness to ensure the sustainability of their services.
Malaysian Tipper Lorry Operators Association chairman Datuk Michael Loo Leep Chye welcomed SKPS but emphasized the need for a well-detailed mechanism to ensure assistance reaches small and medium operators, not just large companies. He highlighted that the subsidy should lower transportation costs and, ultimately, reduce goods prices for the public to experience tangible benefits.
On September 16, KPDN estimated that 100,000 public land transport and goods vehicles nationwide are eligible for SKPS registration to receive RON95 petrol subsidies. Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali stated that proper registrations are essential for effective regulation of subsidy distribution within the transport sector.