“The government is working with relevant agencies and the state governments to collect data on boat owners to ensure they are not left out from enjoying the benefits of the BUDI95 subsidised fuel price,” it said in a statement tonight.

On Friday, two Sarawak political leaders called for the initiative, which will see Malaysians paying RM1.99 per litre for RON95 petrol, expanded to include outboard engine users in the state’s rural and coastal areas.

Parti Bansa Dayak Sarawak president John Brian Anthony said many people in rural areas continue to rely on outboard engines as one of their main modes of transportation.

He said expanding the BUDI95 initiative to include outboard engines would not only ease their cost of living, but also improve the well-being of rural communities across the state.

In a similar call, PKR’s Miri MP, Chiew Choon Man, pointed out that there is a need for additional fuel quotas for river and coastal fishermen, many of whom depend on RON95 to power their boats and engines.

He also highlighted the plight of farmers who operate boats and machinery using RON95, but do not hold driving licences or own vehicles.

Finance minister II Amir Hamzah Azizan, who had chaired a briefing which Chiew attended, said fishermen, farmers and other commercial users facing such issues could apply for the fleet card for RON95 subsidy through the domestic trade and cost of living ministry.

Starting tomorrow, the government will provide up to 300 litres of RON95 petrol a month at RM1.99 a litre for all Malaysians aged 16 and above with valid driving licences.

The initiative will benefit about 18 million car and motorcycle users.