The Belait District representative to the Sixth Legislative Council Meeting put forward a proposal to help improve the nation’s economy yesterday, on the third day of the meeting.

YB Awg Hj Mohd Shafiee bin Ahmad in his proposal gave two suggestions: either for the eradication of diesel subsidies for industries or for the industries to offer financial opportunities for locals as a way to give back to the nation.

With the commercial price of diesel in the country cheaper than one litre of bottled water, Brunei citizens and residents are blessed with the heavily-subsidised price of oil and gas shouldered by the government, which amounts to millions every year and is still rising.

According to YB Awg Hj Mohd Shafiee, subsidised diesel is mostly utilised by industries and not vehicles.

Given this observation, YB Awg Hj Mohd Shafiee suggested that the relevant government agencies should conduct a “subsidy research” and, if needed, eradicate diesel subsidies for industries or offer ultimatums requiring the relevant industries to lower product prices or offer employment or business opportunities for locals.

“The subsidies should be based on the number of locals they hire and the amount of business opportunities they present to locals,” he said, adding that the involvement of these industries can help the economy as well as assist in developing the nation’s infrastructure.

YB Awg Hj Mohd Shafiee also suggested that, should the proposal of subsidies for industries not be considered, the oil production should concentrate more on the type of oil that can be used by the majority of cars within the nation so as to save costs.

He stated this upon noting that 90 per cent of road vehicles use a certain type of processed fuel.

Also raised was the issue of locally registered cars being instrumental in the smuggling of diesel fuel into neighbouring countries. The Minister of Energy at the Prime Minister’s Office, YB Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Dewa Major General (Rtd) Dato Seri Pahlawan Awg Hj Mohammad bin Hj Daud was queried on the efforts and steps that are being taken to manage the situation.

In response, the minister stated that the relevant agencies responsible for monitoring diesel smuggling are constantly pro-active in that they are “always looking for more effective ways” in solving the problem. He added that the agencies are currently working closely with law-enforcement agencies to address the issue.

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