THE government is maintaining petrol and diesel subsidies for now and has no plans to abolish them in the near future, Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Salahuddin Ayub said.

He said thus far, the government’s stance on petrol and diesel subsidies remains unchanged.

“That’s an independent view (of economists). The government is free to accept any view,” he told reporters after launching the Retail Sector Digitalisation Initiative (ReDI) in Kipmall, Tampoi today.

“However, the government is maintaining the petrol and diesel subsidies, until a decision to implement targeted subsidies is made.”

The Pulai MP was asked about the expectations of economists regarding the possibility that the government will announce the abolition of petrol and diesel subsidies and replacing them with a system of assistance to those in need when tabling the new budget.

Earlier, Salahuddin said his ministry plans to open five ReDI programmes, in Penang, Malacca, Perlis, Sabah and Sarawak.

“As of December 31 last year, 8,479 rural traders have switched to the digital medium, and now, the programme has been expanded to Johor, targeting 233 Kipmall traders and 120 traders at the Perling Public Market,” he said.

Last year, ReDI, which reduces dependence on cash and benefits consumers and traders, has been successfully implemented on a pilot basis in Putrajaya, Hulu Terengganu, Pulau Pangkor and Labuan. – Bernama, February 11, 2023.