THE database from the Road Transport Department (RTD) is one of the elements that the government will use in identifying targeted subsidy recipients involving petrol.

Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Salahuddin Ayub said the ministry has discussed the matter with the Finance Ministry, Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli and RTD.

“So in terms of the data, they are almost ready to be forwarded to the prime minister on how we can implement this targeted subsidy,” he told reporters after visiting the Melana Indah People’s Housing Project in Johor Baru today.

He said the RTD database can be used for RON95 petrol subsidy since the government can identify those who are eligible based on the horsepower of the vehicle they own.

He said the proposed paper on targeted subsidies was presented at the meeting of the National Action Council on Cost of Living, chaired by the prime minister last Tuesday.

“The prime minister has given instructions for the matter (targeted subsidy mechanism) to be studied,” he said.

“But for the time being, the government is continuing the existing policy, which is that we do not withdraw (subsidies) or increase any tariffs that we feel could burden the people.

“So the policy will continue until the cabinet decides on that (targeted subsidy) later.”

Salahuddin, who is also Pulai MP, also said the ministry has identified small- and medium-sized entrepreneurs as among the groups that buy subsidised cooking oil.

“We will find a way on how the entrepreneurs in the B40 category can also use this subsidised (cooking) oil,” he said.

Salahuddin also reminded the ministry’s enforcement officers to go easy on minor offences committed by small traders and hawkers, and to give advice and guidance to them.

“This is important for us to heed the prime minister’s call for these small traders to be given attention,” he said.

“They need to recover from the post-Covid-19 crisis.” – Bernama, December 24, 2022.