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Borneo Post
04-06-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Call for State autonomy against unfair gas cylinder rules
David Ong KOTA KINABALU (June 4): Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) Vice President David Ong strongly urges the Sabah State Government to exercise its constitutional autonomy and refrain from implementing the Federal Government's new gas cylinder regulations that burden small business operators and the rakyat. Under the new regulation, eateries are required to switch from subsidized household gas cylinders priced at RM26 to commercial purple cylinders costing RM70 — a staggering 169% increase. For small restaurant operators using 100 cylinders per month, this translates into a monthly cost jump from RM2,600 to RM7,000 — a crippling RM4,400 rise. This measure comes at a time when businesses are already struggling with compounding cost pressures from SST hikes, rising electricity tariffs, and the minimum wage adjustment to RM1,700. Ong stressed that Sabah is one of Malaysia's largest natural gas producing States, contributing significantly to the nation's energy wealth. It is fundamentally unjust for the Federal Government to supply gas at higher costs to the very state that produces this resource. Current evidence shows East Malaysian consumers already face price discrimination. Gas cylinder deposits cost RM90 in Sabah/Sarawak compared to RM80 in Peninsular Malaysia – highlighting an ongoing pattern of inequitable treatment. 'We urge the Sabah State Government to utilize its constitutional powers to safeguard the welfare of its people from federal policies that disproportionately affect Sabahans. The State should immediately pursue special arrangements with the Federal Government to secure preferential pricing for gas used in Sabah, just as East Malaysians have been granted continued diesel subsidies in recognition of regional cost differences,' Ong said in a statement. Additionally, he said the State should implement targeted exemptions or support schemes to protect hawkers, coffeeshops, and small eateries until a fair and regionally appropriate policy is established. Sabah inherently faces higher transportation and distribution costs due to its geography and limited supply networks. At the same time, many food operators here earn less than their counterparts in Peninsular Malaysia yet bear higher operational costs, he pointed out. Despite these disadvantages, he said Sabah continues to contribute significantly to Malaysia's gas revenue via royalties and taxes — yet receives no preferential benefit. This disparity must end. 'The burden of rising gas prices will inevitably lead to higher food costs, hurting all Sabahans — particularly low-income families and threatening the viability of small eateries. The timing of enforcement under 'Operation Gasak' is especially insensitive, as it comes during a period of widespread economic strain. 'I call upon the GRS Government to defend the interests of Sabahans by exercising the State's rightful autonomy. Such powers exist precisely to counter federal policies that fail to reflect the realities and challenges of Sabah. 'Sabah must not be punished for being a gas-producing State. We demand fair treatment and urge immediate action to suspend the implementation of these regulations in Sabah until just and practical solutions are put in place,' Ong added.
Daily Express
13-05-2025
- Politics
- Daily Express
'Sabah for Sabahans' a call for justice, not division
Published on: Tuesday, May 13, 2025 Published on: Tue, May 13, 2025 Text Size: KOTA KINABALU: Liberal Democratic Party Vice President David Ong has defended the 'Sabah for Sabahans' sentiment, calling it a demand for fairness and justice, not a divisive agenda, as claimed by Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. Responding to Zahid's remarks, Ong said Sabah has long been marginalized since joining Malaysia, with its resources exploited and decisions made without Sabahans' input. He stressed that 'Sabah for Sabahans' is about reclaiming rights under the Malaysia Agreement 1963, ensuring local governance, and correcting historical injustices, not rejecting national unity. He also criticized the double standards in West Malaysian politics, where race and religion based rhetoric goes unchecked, while Sabahans seeking autonomy are labelled divisive. 'Sabahans of all backgrounds live in harmony. We're asking to manage our own affairs, not break from Malaysia. 'Standing up for Sabah is responsible. What's truly divisive is ignoring our voices,' he said. * Follow us on Instagram and join our Telegram and/or WhatsApp channel(s) for the latest news you don't want to miss. * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
