Fuel price

The price of petrol has changed significantly in the last 6 months. Oil price has dropped from USD 150+ to around USD 50 today.

More significantly the petrol price in Malaysia has changed considerably. 2 weeks after I bought my Toyota Camry the RON97 petrol in Malaysia was increased from RM1.92 to RM2.70. Back then the government were telling us that they're subsidizing the petrol. Now the petrol price has been lowered; currently selling at RM1.80, and even that is actually above the world market price. So the government is actually taxing us in petrol nowadays.

I think it is about time for a major policy change. Not only for fuel price, but regarding car price as well.

1. Sell fuel at market price, plus some tax. Something around 10 to 20 sen per liter. Either the government can set the market price, according to world price of oil to be determined daily or at most weekly; or let the retailers sell at their own price.

2. Abolish road tax, since now the fuel is being taxed. If required maybe a nominal tax can be imposed, but not to be based on engine capacity.

3. Reduce tax on cars to a flat rate based on the original price. The practice of taxing cars based on the engine capacity should be abolished forever.

By doing these the people will have the choice of buying and driving cars that are much better than what Malaysians are used to be driving today. We also can buy more fuel efficient cars for daily use; or buy a fuel guzzler sports car and have it parked most of the time.