Labuan: The government is contemplating the extension of the BUDI MADANI RON95 (BUDI95) initiative to assist small-time passenger boat operators in Sabah and Sarawak. Second Finance Minister Datuk Amir Hamzah Azizan highlighted that there is no major impediment to including these operators in the scheme, acknowledging their crucial service to rural and island communities.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Amir Hamzah stated the government’s readiness to collaborate with the state governments of Sabah and Sarawak to explore this extension. He emphasized that passenger boat operators depend heavily on subsidised fuel to maintain their operations and livelihoods. The minister expressed these views during a visit to a Petronas petrol station in Jalan Pohon Batu.

Amir Hamzah, who is on a two-day working visit to Labuan, indicated that discussions with state authorities would be essential to identify eligible operators and ensure that the scheme is executed efficiently and without misuse. He reiterated that BUDI95 aims to provide targeted subsidies to those in genuine need, and including boat operators would further this goal.

The minister noted that the BUDI95 initiative has already generated positive results, with RM3.7 million worth of RON95 fuel purchased by eligible groups on its first day. This includes members of the armed forces, police, and beneficiaries of the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR). Expanding the scheme to passenger boat operators could reduce their operational costs and benefit residents who depend on water transport for their daily commutes.