In view of the increased cost of fuel, particularly diesel, the Government is urged to give priority to the commercial transport sector.

The uninterrupted operation of haulage of goods, especially food items, is essential to the well-being of the general public. We don’t want to see a situation where, due to a slow-down or cessation of this lifeline, wet markets, supermarkets and hypermarkets are devoid of meat, vegetables and grain on their shelves. Such a scenario is frightening, and can lead to social problems and unrest. We can see it building up in Spain and Thailand right now.

It was pointed out in a recent newspaper article that if the food supply chain is hampered for just 3 or 4 days, and retail outlets are empty, there is the danger of people becoming desperate, and no telling what they could resort to.

We appreciate that lorry transporters recognize their national responsibility, and are continuing with their operations. However, it is vital that compensation or incentives in some form is given to them, so that daily groceries and edibles from farms, abattoirs, ports and warehouses, most of which are perishable, continue to be delivered. Among other measures, road tax reduction, exemption of import duties on spare parts and tyres and raising the fleet-card quota for subsidized diesel could be considered.

If we are talking about food security, transportation an essential component. The process cannot be compromised due to high fuel costs

Dato Dr. S. Vijayaratnam,
Vice President,
Parti Gerakan Rakyat Malaysia.