Budget 2027: Penentu Hopes Govt Maintains Fuel Subsidies

DUNGUN, Sept 4 (Bernama) -- The 7,650 members of the Terengganu State Fishermen's Association (Penentu) hope the government will maintain fuel subsidies in Budget 2027, as fuel costs account for a major portion of their fishing operating expenses.

Penentu chairman Mat Yassim Mohamed said fuel subsidies were among the most important forms of assistance for fishermen, particularly those holding Class A, B and C licences.

He said the government needed to maintain petrol and diesel subsidies to enable fishermen to continue their fishing activities and ensure a steady supply of protein sources to consumers.

"Fuel subsidies are extremely important to fishermen as fuel costs are one of the main components in fishing operations," he said when contacted by reporters here today.

The government currently sets the price of subsidised diesel for Zone A, B and C fishermen at RM1.65 per litre.

Mat Yassim said Penentu also hoped the government would consider maintaining the RM300 monthly cost-of-living allowance to help ease the burden on fishermen supporting their families.

He said the assistance was vital to provide fishermen with a more stable source of income, given that their catch yields were unpredictable.

"This allowance helps fishermen cover their families' daily needs to some extent, especially when their income declines during bad weather," he said.

The 2027 Pre-Budget Statement issued by the Finance Ministry previously stated that the government had outlined 10 main focus areas for Budget 2027, which is scheduled to be tabled in Parliament on Oct 9, with the people's interests taking priority in every policy, initiative and allocation to be considered.

-- BERNAMA