KOTA KINABALU: Sabah has the right to receive diesel subsidies as one of Malaysia’s main oil and gas producing states, says Deputy Chief Minister III Ewon Benedick.
Ewon, who is also state Industrial Development, Entrepreneurship and Transport Minister, said Sabah’s petroleum resources have long contributed to the development of other states without similar reserves.
“We appreciate the Federal Government’s decision to provide diesel subsidies to Sabah. I was involved in that decision when I was in the Federal Cabinet,” he said.
He said that Sabah, as a resource-producing state, deserved fair returns not only in terms of development but also through measures that support domestic needs.
“That is why Sabah is entitled to its returns, including ensuring that these resources are used to meet domestic needs in the state,” he said.
Ewon was speaking to reporters after officiating at a Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebration organised by UPKO Putatan at Dewan Sri Putatan here.
The UPKO president said it was timely for the Federal Government to prioritise domestic needs, particularly in states that produce oil and gas.
“It is time to look at how domestic needs can be prioritised. Sabah, as a contributing region, deserves to benefit from the resources it produces,” he said.
On the reduction of the diesel subsidy quota from 300 to 200 litres, Ewon said Putrajaya should provide further clarification, although he acknowledged that geopolitical conflicts, particularly in West Asia, have affected global oil prices.
“While it is true that war impacts global oil prices, Malaysia should also consider how its own resources can be utilised for domestic needs,” he said.
He also raised concerns over possible disruptions to the supply of essential goods, especially food, which relies heavily on sea transport.
“Not only industry players, but the public are also concerned about daily food supplies, as maritime transport has been affected,” he said.
Ewon added that while Sabah, Sarawak and Peninsular Malaysia have differing political demands and unresolved rights issues, these do not undermine cooperation within the federation.
He also questioned those who challenged the provision of diesel subsidies to Sabah, reiterating that the state, as a producer of oil and gas, has the right to know what is returned to its people.
“Sabah has contributed significantly since the Petroleum Development Act came into force. We have effectively subsidised development elsewhere, so what Sabah has lost should be returned,” he said.
On the UPKO Putatan Hari Raya celebration, Ewon said the event reflects the party’s tradition of celebrating major festivals across communities in Sabah, while fostering unity and mutual respect among the people.
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