Sibu: In light of ongoing uncertainties in the national energy sector, Sibu MP Oscar Ling Chai Yew has called on the public to adjust their daily travel habits as a practical step to cope with rising fuel prices and the increasing cost of living.
He stressed that under current conditions, people should shift from a “consumption mode” to a “defensive mode,” particularly in terms of daily mobility, which is closely tied to fuel usage.
“We must start preparing ourselves mentally and practically. This is not the time to consume as usual, but to adopt a more defensive approach in how we use our resources, especially fuel,” he said.
On transportation, he explained that any increase in diesel prices will directly impact travel and logistics costs, which will ultimately be passed on to consumers.
As such, changing travel behaviour is seen as a crucial step in reducing financial pressure.
“When fuel prices rise, transportation and delivery costs will inevitably go up, and in the end, it is the rakyat who will bear the burden,” he noted.
He suggested several measures, including adopting carpooling practices, making greater use of public transportation, and cutting down on unnecessary trips.
“Simple changes like carpooling, using public transport, or reducing non-essential travel can make a significant difference in managing daily expenses,” he said, adding that such efforts could also help reduce congestion and overall fuel consumption.
At the same time, he urged the public to be more mindful of their daily routines by planning trips more efficiently, such as combining multiple errands into a single journey to avoid fuel wastage.
He also warned that the misuse of fuel subsidies and diesel smuggling activities would only worsen the situation and undermine fair distribution of assistance to those who genuinely need it.
“Subsidies are meant to help those in need. Any form of abuse not only violates fairness but also weakens the government’s ability to support the rakyat effectively,” he stressed.
Ling emphasised that adjusting lifestyle habits—particularly travel patterns—is one of the most immediate and effective ways for the public to respond to potential fuel supply and price challenges in the near future.
“Changing how we travel is one of the fastest and most practical steps we can take right now to reduce the impact of rising fuel costs,” he said.
He added that with the situation expected to evolve further after May, early preparation is essential to minimise the impact on household expenses and maintain financial stability.
