The Sarawak Business Federation (SBF) wants the state government to review how the Foreign Workers Transformation Approach (FWTA) is implemented, with particular attention to smaller firms’ compliance costs. Its president, Jonathan Chai, said industries have different staffing needs and operating conditions, while SMEs may have fewer resources to absorb additional costs. He called for continued engagement with businesses so requirements remain practical without weakening the government’s workforce-management objectives. Chai made the appeal at SBF’s anniversary dinner at the Unifor Complex in Kuching on October 17. The request is for an implementation review; it is not an announcement that FWTA has been suspended or that employers’ requirements have changed. He also welcomed the planned Ease of Doing Business Reform Blueprint, saying simpler procedures, quicker approvals and better coordination between agencies should translate into less administrative work for businesses. For employers, the distinction matters: the federation is asking for changes, rather than setting out a new compliance regime.

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?