KUALA LUMPUR: Unity government spokesman Fahmi Fadzil said there is a huge disparity in diesel sales at petrol stations before and after the diesel rationalisation.
He cited an example from the report presented by the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali to the Cabinet regarding the sale of diesel at several petrol stations in Selangor, including Klang.
He said the report showed significant changes in the amount of diesel sold before and after June 10.
"Before June 10, some petrol stations were selling diesel every day, sometimes in the thousands and tens of thousands of litres, despite not being close to factories or industrial sectors.
"However, after June 10, the amount of diesel sold at these stations dropped abruptly.
"This proves that smuggling and misappropriation of diesel are rampant," he said when officiating Mydin Mart Pantai Dalam earlier today.
Present was Mydin's managing director, Datuk Dr Ameer Ali Mydin.
Fahmi said finance minister II reported a loss of two billion litres of subsidised diesel last year due to smuggling and misappropriation, amounting to RM3.5 billion in losses.
He said this shows that the government has curbed smuggling and misappropriation activities to prevent profiteering.
Fahmi affirmed that the government's decision to continue subsidies only for eligible and needy groups is the right step.
"The group that is 'affected' and those who are angry are the smugglers because their income is affected.
"But to me, that's not income, it's 'getting' what they stole. They steal and make a profit on your money too," he said.
Diesel subsidies for certain groups in Peninsular Malaysia have been discontinued starting June 10.
Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan said the decision will put the price for a litre of diesel at RM3.35 per litre according to the automated pricing mechanism, from the current price of about RM2.15.
He said it follows the unsubsidised market price based on the average for May 2024, according to the automatic pricing mechanism formula.
