Telang usan: The vast and challenging geography of rural Sarawak has made four-wheel drive (4WD) vehicles an essential mode of transport, with diesel subsidies serving as a lifeline for communities in the interior. Telang Usan assemblyman Datuk Dennis Ngau said residents in his constituency, located in the northern part of Sarawak, depend on 4WD vehicles for mobility due to poor road conditions.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Ngau stressed that owning such vehicles should not be regarded as a luxury but a necessity. He stated, "Saloon cars or small vehicles such as the Kancil or Myvi simply cannot make it here. We need 4WD vehicles because our roads consist of logging tracks and muddy terrain, and the situation gets worse when it rains." Ngau expressed appreciation for the government's decision to maintain the diesel price at RM2.15 per litre, emphasizing the lack of alternatives for his constituents.
On March 26, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced that Sabah and Sarawak will continue to enjoy subsidised diesel at RM2.15 per litre despite rising global prices. Anwar also introduced limits on fuel purchases to ensure fair distribution and sufficient supply, with caps set at 50 litres per transaction for light vehicles, 100 litres for vehicles under three tonnes, and 150 litres for those exceeding three tonnes.
Dennis highlighted that the Telang Usan constituency covers approximately 9,000 square kilometres and includes 88 longhouses and villages inhabited by Kayan, Kenyah, and Penan communities, as well as the town of Long Lama, which has a predominantly Chinese population. He explained that the area has around 1,000 kilometres of dirt or logging roads, originally constructed by logging companies to connect villages.
Ngau noted that out of these 1,000km of logging roads, about 200km have been converted to concrete roads, but more than 800km remain. He described the area as the "last frontier" in terms of road infrastructure, with settlements historically built along rivers and not located along a single road.
Meanwhile, Ngau acknowledged the government's concerns over diesel leakage and cross-border smuggling but suggested that the current restriction of 50 litres per fill for light vehicles should be reviewed. He explained that 50 litres is only enough for a one-way trip to certain locations, posing risks for those traveling into rural or interior areas without nearby petrol stations.
Ngau asserted, "Normally, we need to fill a full tank of around 75 litres and also carry additional fuel in containers as backup because there are no petrol stations in rural areas. This is very different from cities like Miri, where petrol stations are easily available." He expressed hope that the government would reconsider the 50-litre limit and allow full-tank refuelling, especially for rural areas such as Telang Usan and Belaga.