Kuala lumpur: Over 800 rural residents from the Julau parliamentary constituency have successfully obtained their Class B2 Probationary Driving Licences (PDL) through the Driving Licence Assistance Programme (BLM), enabling them to purchase subsidised petrol for their motorcycles.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the programme has been a significant relief for many participants who previously faced challenges in purchasing fuel at subsidised rates due to the lack of a valid driving licence. Bajik Undum, a 57-year-old resident of Rumah Ajau, Ulu Kuntau, Pakan, shared her experience of having to buy non-subsidised petrol for her travels to her orchard. "Fuel prices are high nowadays. Before, I could not buy fuel at subsidised rates because I lacked a licence. Now that I have a licence, I can buy subsidised petrol," she stated during the programme's closing event at the Julau Closed Stadium.
The event, which saw the participation of 885 individuals, was officiated by Julau MP Datuk Larry Sng Wei Shien, who also serves as the Malaysian Timber Industry Board (MTIB) chairman. The Sarawak Road Transport Department (JPJ) director, Norizan Jili, was also present. Bajik, noted as the oldest female participant, emphasized that the licence not only legitimizes her motorcycle use but significantly alleviates her financial burdens by qualifying her for subsidised fuel.
Similarly, Kudang Jenggi, the oldest male participant at 64, expressed his newfound ease in commuting. With the licence, he can now travel to work, visit relatives, and run errands without the worry of roadblocks, while also enjoying the financial benefits of subsidised petrol. Kudang, who works as a bird's nest house caretaker in Bayong, Sarikei, highlighted the importance of this assistance in his daily life.
Daniel Padong, 45, from Rumah Pom, Ulu Amot, Pakan, also shared his story, noting that his motorcycle is vital for reaching his oil palm smallholding daily. The recent rise in petrol prices had increased his transportation costs, but the acquisition of a licence through the programme has allowed him to access subsidised fuel, thus reducing his expenses.
The Driving Licence Assistance Programme has evidently provided substantial benefits to the rural residents of Julau, enhancing their mobility and lessening their financial burden through access to subsidised fuel.