Some 95,883 Sarawak smallholders had been identified as eligible for RM400 a month under BUDI Agri-Komoditi, but 35,676 applications — 37.2 per cent — had been approved by September 2026. DayakDaily reported the figures on October 5, citing the Plantation and Commodities Minister’s written parliamentary reply. The eligible group comprises 37,631 oil-palm, 19,644 rubber, 555 cocoa and 38,053 pepper smallholders. The approval count is a separate measure from eligibility: it does not mean every grower identified in the total had an approved application or had received payment. The reply described BUDI Agri-Komoditi as part of the targeted diesel-subsidy rationalisation. It said eligible smallholders in Sabah and Sarawak began receiving RM400 monthly from June 22. The ministry also cited agency hotlines and in-person outreach, but the report did not list a contact number or application deadline.

The BUDI Diesel subsidy transfer facility has been widened with immediate effect, allowing a registered vehicle owner to transfer eligibility to any eligible Malaysian citizen who is the vehicle’s designated actual user. The change matters to private diesel pickup and four-wheel-drive owners in Sarawak who use family vehicles or vehicles bought through informal “sambung bayar” arrangements. Transfer of subsidy eligibility does not transfer ownership of the vehicle. A registered owner with more than one eligible diesel vehicle may transfer the monthly entitlement for those vehicles to a maximum of three actual users, subject to the scheme’s conditions and the number of eligible vehicles. Applications are made through the BUDI MADANI portal or at an Inland Revenue Board office. The deadline matters: applications submitted by the 27th of a month can be processed for use from the first day of the following month, subject to data checks. A transfer is generally allowed only once for each vehicle, and a recipient may receive a transfer from only one registered owner.

Stampin MP Chong Chieng Jen says red tape is still blocking some eligible commercial vehicle owners from subsidised diesel. [image: 1784336677262-chong-diesel-subsidy.jpg] He urged the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) to simplify and speed up the Budi Diesel application process, especially for eligible commercial vehicle owners. What vehicle owners are facing Chong said applicants are being asked to submit documents from Puspakom and apply to modify their commercial vehicle Body Code. After the modification, the vehicle must go through a mandatory inspection every six months before the owner can apply for a diesel subsidy card. He said the targeted subsidy policy began on July 1, 2026, but many owners who should be receiving subsidised diesel have been rejected because of the extra steps. Chong called on Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to remove requirements he described as unnecessary. He also said he had raised the matter with Transport Minister Anthony Loke so it can be brought up in Cabinet. Source: The Borneo Post Source: The Borneo Post For transport operators, this one really affects daily cost. What do you think?

Budi Diesel subsidy now covers company-owned pickup trucks and jeeps — Cabinet approves expansion ahead of July 1 rollout The government has expanded the Budi Madani Diesel programme to include company-owned private pickup trucks and jeeps. This move is expected to benefit small business operators and rural users across Sarawak who rely on diesel vehicles for daily work. [image: 1782540162346-budi-diesel-pickup.jpg] Finance Minister II Senator Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan said the Cabinet approved the expansion as part of several enhancements to ensure a smoother transition to the targeted diesel subsidy mechanism. Key Details Company-owned pickup trucks and jeeps can now access subsidised diesel Owners can apply for an additional 100 litres per month via the Budi Madani portal Full subsidised rate at RM2.10 per litre through MyKad verification Early access at RM2.15 per litre begins today (June 27) for eligible private users in Peninsular Malaysia The full nationwide implementation of Budi Diesel is scheduled for July 1, 2026. Location: Nationwide (affects Sarawak directly) Details: Company-owned pickups and jeeps now eligible for diesel subsidy; additional 100L/month allocation available; RM2.10/L subsidised rate Source: DayakDaily What do you think? Will this help small businesses and rural communities in Sarawak?

Sarawak's vast geography and heavy reliance on diesel transport make the federal government's 200-litre monthly subsidy cap unworkable, says social activist Voon Shiak Ni. Speaking on Friday (June 27), Voon said the Budi Madani Diesel programme — which offers subsidised diesel at RM2.10 per litre up to 200 litres per month — fails to account for Sarawak's unique circumstances as an oil-producing state with enormous logistical challenges. "A one-size-fits-all approach may not reflect the realities of different regions. Sarawak's contribution as an oil-producing state and its unique logistical challenges should be considered," she said. [image: 1782522151104-diesel-subsidy.jpg] Lorry drivers and transport operators would be the hardest hit. One lorry driver told Voon he uses over 2,000 litres of diesel a month just transporting stones from Paku, Bau to Jalan Stephen Yong — ten times the proposed cap. Location: Sarawak Details: Budi Madani Diesel subsidy cap at 200 litres/month — activist calls it unsuitable for Sarawak's geography and logistics needs Source: Borneo Post Online What do you think?