Putrajaya expanding BUDI Agri-Commodity Programme to Sarawak to help farmers, smallholders cope with high cost of buying fuel

KUCHING, June 24 2026: The federal government is expanding the implementation of the BUDI Agri-Commodity Programme to Sabah and Sarawak to help farmers and smallholders cope with the high cost of purchasing fuel following the implementation of the targeted diesel subsidy mechanism. 

Caption: Second Finance Minister Amir Hamzah Azizan briefing the media

Second Finance Minister  Amir Hamzah Azizan said the expansion will allow farmers and smallholders in both states to apply for monthly cash assistance through agencies designated by the government. 

According to him, eligible recipients will receive a cash assistance of RM200 a month along with an interim assistance of RM200 a month, making a total of RM400 a month to reduce the burden of operating costs due to the purchase of diesel at market prices. 

“As implemented in Peninsular Malaysia, the BUDI Agri-Commodity initiative will also be expanded to Sabah and Sarawak where farmers and smallholders in both states can submit applications through the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Ministry of Plantations and Commodities or designated state government agencies. 

“Through the initiative, they are eligible to receive cash assistance of RM200 per month along with an additional interim assistance of RM200, making a total of RM400 per month to reduce the burden of diesel purchase costs at the floating market price,” he said at media briefing session on the implementation of the Diesel Subsidy Targeting Reform today. 

In an effort to ensure that more agri-commodity sector operators in Sabah and Sarawak benefit, the government has also expanded the list of eligibility verification agencies involving various related industry bodies. 

Among the agencies involved are the Malaysian Palm Oil Board, Malaysian Rubber Board, National Kenaf and Tobacco Board, Malaysian Cocoa Board, Malaysian Pepper Board, as well as the Sabah Rubber Industry Board and Sarawak Rubber Industry Board.

Amir Hamzah said that the agencies will verify eligibility applicants before assistance is channeled directly through cash transfers every month.

Owners of pick-ups and jeeps can apply for additional 100 litres following implementation of targeting diesel subsidies next month

KUCHING,June 24 2026: Owners of pickup and jeep vehicles in the country can apply for an additional quota of 100 litres following the implementation of the targeting diesel subsidies starting July 1. 

Caption: Second Finance Minister Amir Hamzah Azizan (left) with Works Minister Alexander Nanta Linggi at a press conference

Second Finance Minister Amir Hamzah Azizan said the additional 100 litres per month will allow private owners of eligible pickup and jeep diesel vehicles to fill up to 300 litres per month.

He said the additional is expected to be sufficient for the majority of diesel users because based on current estimates, approximately 95 percent of diesel users use less than 300 litres of fuel per month.

"The application can be done through two mechanisms, namely through the portal that has been prepared and opened since yesterday at www.budimadani.gov.my, where applicants only need to confirm basic information such as name, phone number and identity card number and will then be checked with Road Transport Department (JPJ) data to ensure that the applicant is a Malaysian citizen and owns a registered vehicle.
“If the registered vehicle meets the criteria such as a pickup or jeep, the applicant will be eligible to receive an additional quota of 100 litres.

"For those who are not very skilled in using technology or need assistance in the application process, they can come to the nearest Inland Revenue Board (LHDN) or Urban Transformation Centre (UTC) office where officers on duty will assist and guide them to register to obtain the benefit," he said in a media briefing session on the Implementation of the Diesel Subsidy Targeting Reform here today.

Amir Hamzah revealed data findings from January to May this year found that only 0.76 percent of vehicle owners used more than 200 liters per month, which is a key indicator that the quota given by the government is sufficient.
 

However, he clarified that the government has no problem if asked to review this quota as was done for e-hailing drivers for BUDI RON95 before.

“So for now, we will give the system time to be implemented first and see its effectiveness before making any further evaluations or improvements.

“If there are any issues or matters that require further discussion, the government is committed to examining aspects that can be improved because based on previous experience, the government always makes adjustments when there is a clear and reasonable need to do so. That is the approach practiced by the government,” he added.

Touching on the application time limit, he said the government does not impose a specific time period for this purpose, but rather is open all the time according to the changing needs of vehicle owners.

Mind your speeches and use of languages, deputy minister reminds public figures

KUCHING, June 23 2026: Deputy Minister in the Premier's Department (Corporate Affairs, Information and Sarawak Public Communication Unit) Abdullah Saidol reminded public figures to be mindful of their speeches and use of language in every situation, pointing out that such speeches can directly or indirectly influence the society, especially the youth and young people.

Caption: Deputy Minister Abdullah Saidol says public figures should be careful in their speeches and languages

He said that individuals who are often in the public eye must ensure that their speeches are well prepared to avoid any statements that may cause misunderstandings or affect the reputation of certain parties.

According to him, a prepared text of speech is crucial, particularly for those unfamiliar with speaking spontaneously.

"I think they should be careful when speaking, so one of the important things is to prepare a good text of speech.

"If you know that your ability to speak spontaneously is not very good, I think it's better to have the text of speech prepared because sometimes you might misspeak, which could have a negative effect,” he said without being specific.

He was speaking to reporters after the opening the Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP) Inaugural Publication Briefing and Book launching ceremony of ‘Agenda Pemikiran Hazami Jahari, DBP Director General’ today.

He noted of a recent incident involving Malaysians abroad shows how something that is considered a joke can affect the public standing of the country.

Abdullah expressed hope that the book launched today can serve as a guide for those who often give public speeches, including event hosts and newsreaders, to always be civilised and careful in their use of language.

He added that the responsibility of being mindful of speech does not lie solely with the DBP, but is also borne by all parties to ensure that the harmony of the country, which consists of various races and religions, is maintained.

He also emphasised the great challenges brought by social media, which according to him is difficult to control and often becomes a space for the dissemination of statements that can give rise to negative opinions.

"That is something that we must safeguard in this nation where the sensitivity of other races as well as the diversity of religions.

"I think the federal government is changing the law towards reporting with integrity," he said.

DBP director general Hazami Jahari was among those present at the launch.

 

 

Sarawak strengthening bilateral cooperation on AI, semiconductor innovation in Bavaria

GARCHING, June 23 2026:  Sarawak is strengthening its strategic ties in emerging technologies following a high-level technical engagement with Professor Dr Hussam Amrouch, a leading figure in Germany's advanced computing sector.

Caption: Deputy Sarawak Secretary Dr Muhammad Abdullah Zaidel (centre) leading Sarawak delegation in discussions with Bavaria government officials

The Sarawak delegation, led by Deputy State Secretary (Economic Planning and Development) Dr Muhammad Abdullah Zaidel, met at the Siemens Technology Centre Garching to discuss bilateral cooperation in artificial intelligence (AI), semiconductor innovation, advanced computing, and sustainable digital infrastructure.

Dr Amrouch serves as the Chair of AI Processor Design (AI-Pro) and Founding Director of the Munich Centre of Advanced Technology and AI Chips (MACHT-AI), institutions under the Bavarian Ministry of Science and Research and the Bavarian Ministry of Economic Affairs.

The discussions underscored how Bavaria’s cutting-edge expertise in AI chip design and advanced technology could complement Sarawak’s unique resource profile.

Dr Amrouch highlighted ongoing efforts by the Bavarian Government and the European Union to establish a sovereign AI ecosystem to anchor future technological breakthroughs, noting that Sarawak's strategic positioning makes it an ideal partner.

Key focus areas explored for potential collaboration include leveraging Sarawak’s growing aspirations in the semiconductor and microelectronics sectors as a strategic area for mutual growth.

Discussions also explored utilising Sarawak’s abundant renewable energy resources to pioneer Green AI" and sustainable digital infrastructure.

A major talking point during the engagement was the potential to develop carbon-neutral AI systems. By tapping into Sarawak's competitive advantage in renewable energy, the partnership could pave the way for energy-intensive AI data centers and semiconductor manufacturing processes to operate with minimal environmental impact.

This engagement reflects Sarawak's broader commitment to positioning itself as a key player in the global technology value chain.

Ten-day Sarawak Agrofest to be held in Bintulu, says minister Dr Stephen Rundi

KUCHING, June 23 2026:  The Sarawak Agrofest 2026 (SAF 2026)  will take place in Bintulu from September 25 to October 4, 2026, with the opening ceremony to be officiated by Premier Abang Johari Openg.

Caption: Dr Stephen Rundi Utom (seated, centre) with his two deputies  Dr Abdul Rahman Ismail (left) and Martin Ben at press conference

Minister of Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Dr Stephen Rundi Utom said Bintulu is chosen as the venue due to its strategic location in the heart of Sarawak, thus facilitating access for visitors from all over the state.

“Previous organising experiences have shown a very encouraging response, and we are confident that SAF 2026 will continue to record greater success,” he told a press conference today.

He said the festival is targeting the attendance of 800,000 visitors throughout the 10-day event, in addition to generating sales value reaching RM6.5 million.

Its main focus is to accelerate the transition of the agricultural sector from traditional methods to the use of smart technologies such as automation and digitalisation.

“This festival is not just a sales platform, but an important platform for the government in driving the paradigm shift of the agricultural sector towards high-tech modernisation,” he explained.

Dr Rundi said SAF 2026 will feature 14 main segments including exhibition pavilions of government and private agencies, agro trade, agro fresh, agro tech, agro input, e-shop farmers, Sarawak Kitchen as well as various commodity sites such as paddy, fish, pineapple, sago, nipah and livestock.

In addition, an international Congress on Sustainable Agriculture and Food Security (COSAF) 2026, will also be held from  August 3 to 6 in Bintulu in collaboration with Universiti Putra Malaysia Sarawak, Bintulu Campus, themed “Feeding the Future: Fostering Sustainable Food”.

 Awards will be presented to the outstanding Sarawak Agro-entrepreneur Icon, Youth Agro-entrepreneur, Best Food Crop Entrepreneur, Best Agro-based Industry, Best Inland Fisheries, Best Area Farmers’ Organisation and Best Breeder.

Dr Rundi’s two deputies Dr Abdul Rahman Ismail and Martin Ben and Permanent Secretary of the ministry Sirai Daha were present at the press conference.