Liaw also pointed out that licensed operators face unfair competition from illegal players, who may have ways to access the subsidised BUDI95 fuel price.
Kota Kinabalu: Tourism players in Sabah are appealing to the Federal Government to review the BUDI95 subsidy scheme.
They want fishermen and tourism boat operators to also enjoy RON95 petrol at the cheaper RM1.99 per litre rate.
“We hope the Government will allow outboard engine users and tourism operators to enjoy the RM1.99 rate instead of paying RM2.60 per litre,” said Sabah Association of Tour and Travel Agents (SATTA) Chairman Dato’ Seri Winston Liaw.
He said the petrol price increase directly affects both the tourism and fishery industries, which in turn drives up inflation for the public and tourists alike.
“The tourism sector has not fully recovered from the pandemic, and many operators are still struggling to survive,” he added.
Liaw also pointed out that licensed operators face unfair competition from illegal players, who may have ways to access the subsidised BUDI95 fuel price.
“On top of that, some fishermen may see this as a chance to make money, buying fuel at RM1.99 and reselling it at RM2.60 or slightly lower as their permanent income, instead of doing proper fishing work,” he warned.
He cautioned that such practices could harm the fishery industry, create a shortage of seafood and push seafood prices even higher.
Warisan Vice President Datuk Wong Hong Jun had earlier raised the same concern.
Liaw echoed his call for the Government to review the BUDI95 subsidy scheme, saying the current implementation is unfair and harmful to those who depend on outboard engines for their livelihood, transportation and tourism activities.
By Wu Vui Tek
