Sandakan businesses hit hard by diesel woes – MIC

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SANDAKAN: The diesel shortage which is being experienced in the state capital is also plagued motorists and business operators in Sandakan.

Sabah State Malaysian Indian Congress (MIC) Youth chief Taren Sunil Manoharan yesterday said Sandakan has again been hit by another round of severe diesel shortage.

He said petrol stations in town right up to Mile 32 have been left without diesel supplies.

“The last time Sandakan residents were badly hit was in late May, only just over two months ago. Now we are suffering another bout of the same problem. This should not be happening. Somewhere along the chain of distribution, some people have not been doing their job!” said Taren.

“After the last spell of shortage, numerous government agencies and ministries had given strong assurances that it will not recur. Our local assemblyman had also repeated his call to put an end to the problem once and for all. But look at what is happening now. Sandakanites are again queuing up for what is basically a necessity – diesel. It is outrageous,” said an angry Taren.

Apart from the transport operators and mini bus driver, he said plantation owners are also in for a tough time.

“The dive in CPO prices has already badly hit small and medium plantation owners. Now with the diesel shortage their machinery and transport vehicles have literally ground to a halt. It is severely affecting their production,” he stressed.

Taren added the Government must firmly tell the relevant departments and agencies concerned to buck up. Otherwise, the issue will affect the credibility of the government.

“Don’t let the inefficiency of a few jeopardize all the good work done by the BN government,” he said.

He said the issue would surely be exploited by certain quarters to run down the rakyat’s confidence in the government’s ability to solve their problems. Therefore, the government must be very firm on those responsible and stop this nightmare once and for all.