THE Government is not able to bring down diesel prices but can reduce road tax rates for diesel vehicles, according to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
He said he asked the Transport Minister, together with the ministry’s Secretary-General (KSU), to work on such measures, as it is not possible to address diesel prices due to the Middle East conflict.
“So, when I heard about the diesel issue, I discussed with Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook and asked him together with the KSU (JPJ) to find a way soon so that in the near future road tax rates for diesel vehicles can be reduced.
“That can be done. Lowering fuel prices now is not possible, but road tax can be reduced. If you want it lowered further, please lobby the Transport Minister,” he said during his speech at the 80th JPJ Day celebration and JPJ Madani Mega Carnival at Batu Kawan State Stadium today.
Citing statistics, he said there are 1.8 million diesel vehicles recorded in the country.
The government faces a heavy burden of having to allocate an additional RM7bil per month to sustain targeted subsidies for RON95.
He repeated his statement that Malaysia’s fuel prices remain among the lowest in Southeast Asia, with only Brunei slightly cheaper.
“Yesterday, I was with Brunei’s Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah in Kuala Lumpur, and I informed him that only Brunei’s fuel prices are slightly lower than ours, while all other oil-producing countries have higher prices than us.
“So be thankful. Give some recognition. We reduced the Budi95 quota from 300 to 200. Yes, it saves a little. I also know that although the quota is 200, sometimes the wife gets 200, the husband gets 200, so it’s 400. We know that.
“Should it be reduced further? We will see the situation. We will see whether there is enough fuel for our country, whether there is enough income,” he said. — April 25, 2026
Main photo credit: NST
