The government is urging those business vehicle operators who qualify for the Diesel Subsidy Fleet Card to apply for the cards as soon as possible to benefit from a 15 sen-per-litre subsidy.

Under the system, an estimated 275,890 commercial vehicles would be able to buy diesel at cheaper rate. Companies which own such vehicles have until March 14 to apply for a card for each vehicle.

While it will take four to five working days before they receive the cards, companies can use the receipt issued upon registration to enjoy the discount which can be backdated to March 1.

"We had to do some structural changes to ensure that only those who qualify get to enjoy the subsidy," said Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Shafie Apdal during a press conference in Petaling Jaya on the system today.

Thus far, the ministry had sent letters to about 90,000 commercial vehicle operators explaining the fleet card system. Operators can register by replying to the letter or at participating petrol stations.

Cloning watch

Shafie explains that with the system, owners of qualified vehicles will only pay 7.8 percent more for diesel as compared to the previous price before the recent increase on March 1.

The quota for subsidies on such vehicles will vary depending at the ministry's discretion, said Shafie. He adds that those who are unhappy with the ministry's allocation can appeal.

Several countermeasures have also been introduced to prevent abuses such as cloning of the fleet cards. He said his ministry would routinely comb through the data received for discrepancies.

Further information can be obtained from the ministry through its hotlines which are 03-8882 6349, 03-8882 6350 and 03-8882 6351.