Give Us Diesel Subsidy Too Tow Truck Operators Say

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More than 1,000 tow truck operators are asking the government to consider extending diesel subsidies to those currently not included in the 23 types of eligible vehicle categories under the Diesel Subsidy Control System 2.0.
1Malaysia Tow Truck and Car Transport Association (1MTTCC) chairperson Md Yusof Yahya said the denial of diesel subsidy to tow trucks was very burdensome and would affect business.
“We represent the tow truck operators whose services involve motorised vehicles that use diesel entirely.
“Therefore, we sincerely hope that our proposal is given due consideration in ensuring that all parties can jointly contribute to the development of the country’s economy,” he said at a press conference at the Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club today.
Gerakan president Dominic Lau and former deputy minister Edmund Santhara were also present.
Yusof further said he had sent an email to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Armizan Mohd Ali regarding this matter.
‘Be fair’
Santhara said tow truck operators often give up and are not given due attention by the government.
“I hope the prime minister will re-examine this matter and the government be fair to them.
“I also understand that if Anwar wants to give this charity, but give it to associations and tow truck operators,” he said.
1Malaysia Tow Truck and Car Transport Association chairperson Md Yusof Yahya (left) and former deputy minister Edmund SantharaSanthara was referring to the prime minister’s previous statement that giving subsidies is like charity from the government.
Earlier Lau, who is also a Dewan Negara member, promised to raise the issue of diesel subsidies being extended to tow truck operators to the Senate.
“I will discuss this issue in the Senate soon,” he said.
‘We didn’t increase price’
Yusof also explained reports of tow trucks raising service prices.
“We didn’t increase the price. We just re-introduced the price of the service that was discussed in 2018.
“At that time, tow truck operators agreed to charge RM150 as a service price for the first 10km. However, many operators did not use this price and still set low prices.
“However, after the government introduced subsidised diesel, there are operators trying to set the price of RM150 which was agreed before and this is the issue,” he said.
Earlier, a vehicle towing truck service company in Ulu Tiram was reported to have been given a notice for raising service prices on the grounds of diesel subsidy targeting.
Johor Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry director Lilis Saslinda Pornomo said a notice was given to the company yesterday requiring them to respond between seven to 14 days. - Mkini

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