PRESS RELEASE: Diesel
Shock Wave Coming to Sabah — Junz Wong Urges Pre-Emptive Action to
Protect Consumers
KOTA
KINABALU, 31 March 2026 — Parti Warisan Vice President Datuk Junz
Wong has called on both the Madani Federal Government and the GRS
State Government to take urgent and proactive measures to shield
Sabah consumers and businesses from the impending spillover effects
of the sharp diesel price surge already battering Peninsular
Malaysia.
Wong
warned that while Sabah currently enjoys a lower regulated diesel
price of RM2.15 per litre, the economic shock is already unfolding
nationwide, with businesses in the Peninsula reporting severe cost
pressures, potential closures, and looming price hikes of up to 50
percent for essential goods.
“Sabah
must not wait until the crisis hits our shores. The warning signs are
already clear — when diesel prices spike, transport costs surge,
supply chains tighten, and ultimately, ordinary consumers bear the
brunt,” he said.
He
noted that industry groups in Peninsular Malaysia have reported
monthly diesel cost increases of up to RM100,000, forcing
manufacturers and traders into a corner — either raise prices or
shut down operations.
“Sabah
is even more vulnerable due to our dependence on long-distance
logistics and inter-regional supply chains. Any cost shock in the
Peninsula will inevitably be transmitted here — often amplified,”
Wong pointed out.
Pre-Emptive
Measures Needed — Not Reactive Policies
Wong
who is Tanjung Aru Assemblyman outlined a set of targeted
intervention measures to cushion the impact before it escalates into
a full-blown cost-of-living crisis in Sabah:
1.
Immediate Policy Safeguards
*
Maintain and guarantee the RM2.15 per litre diesel pricing stability
for Sabah’s key supply chain sectors, including food, construction,
and logistics.
*
Engage Petronas to channel a portion of oil and gas revenues into a
Sabah Diesel Stabilisation Fund to support logistics costs.
2.
Emergency Financial Relief
*
Work with Bank Negara Malaysia to introduce financing support,
including loan moratoriums and low-interest working capital
facilities for SMEs.
*
Provide targeted grants and accelerated tax deductions to offset
rising transport and operational costs.
3.
Strengthening Supply Chain Resilience
*
Facilitate cross-industry logistics coordination and bulk procurement
mechanisms to reduce cost duplication and inefficiencies.
*
Support digitalisation efforts such as shared warehousing and
inventory optimisation to stabilise supply and pricing.
Consumers
Will Pay the Price If Action Is Delayed
Wong
cautioned that failure to act decisively would result in a direct and
painful impact on Sabah households, particularly low and middle
income groups already grappling with rising living costs.
“This
is not just a business issue — it is a consumer survival issue.
When food prices rise by 20, 30 or even 50 percent, it is the rakyat
who suffer first and suffer most.”
He
added that the convergence of higher fuel costs, supply chain
disruptions, and existing inflationary pressures could trigger a
cascading price effect across essential goods, from food to basic
household items.
“Act
Now — Not After the Damage Is Done”
Wong
stressed that both federal and state governments must move beyond
reactive governance and adopt a forward-looking, effective crisis
management approach.
“Sabah
contributes significantly to the nation’s energy wealth. It is only
fair that our people are protected from the very shocks arising from
that system.”
“The
time to act is now — not when businesses start closing and prices
spiral out of control," he stressed.
END
Press
Statement Released by:
YB
Datuk Junz Wong
Party
Warisan Vice President cum N22 Tanjung Aru Assemblyman
Contact:
017-8188801
