Cover image via Follow us on Instagram, TikTok, and WhatsApp for the latest stories and breaking news.
Even while recovering from a stroke, he had always pushed himself to travel some 700km each week just to see his family and children with disabilities
But yesterday's news of the fuel subsidy cut, from 300L to 200L, left him deeply unsettled.
The father of two, who wishes to remain anonymous, said he spends around RM750 to RM800 each month travelling weekly from Putrajaya to Johor Bahru.
He said he uses almost 250L of petrol per month.
"This routine has been going on for over a year," said the government servant, suffered stroke several years ago.
The government yesterday announced a temporary fuel subsidy cut from the previous 300L to 200L.
Image via NSTPThe man, who has two autistic young children, was visibly upset when news of the subsidy cut broke.
"Disappointed," he said, when asked how he felt about the news.
He said he had requested a transfer four times, but his requests were ignored by his employer.
"My wife is a housewife because she needs to care for our two children.
"Bringing them to Putrajaya, where I work, is not cost-effective," he said.
Also feeling the pinch was Azlan Mohd Sharif, 45, who travels from Puchong to Sri Gading in Batu Pahat, Johor every week.
Azlan spends RM500 per month travelling from Puchong to Sri Gading.
Image via Azlan Mohd Sharif (Provided to SAYS)He said he spends roughly RM500 per month merely for fuel.
"That doesn't even include the maintenance costs we have to pay every two months, not to mention changing tyres every six months and the battery every year.
"Everything wears out faster for us because of the frequent travel," he said.
The private-sector worker said that while the government's move is understandable, he hoped better support would be provided, particularly for those who have no choice but to travel long distances for work.
"If we had the chance, we too would wish to work closer to home, but our situation is different.
"In my case, I work in Puchong while my family is all in Sri Gading, so I had to travel back to care for my then mother who was ill at the time, my father, and my own family," he said, adding that this has been his routine for the past 10 years.
Azlan has already exceeded 200L, and there are still a few days left before the month ends.
Image via Azlan Mohd Sharif (Provided to SAYS)He said the subsidy cut also does not take into account those who live far from their workplace due to high housing costs in urban areas.
"From Puchong to Kuala Lumpur, for example, a single trip is already 37 km. Sometimes, I travel further for work.
"I usually refuel about RM40 at a time, which lasts me two to three days. With 200 litres of petrol, that only allows for about 10 refuels.
"Normally, I refuel around 15 to 20 times per month," he said.
