Wan Yusri Wan Rawi, president of Bumiputera Integrated Pest Management Malaysia, said: “The increase in diesel and petrol prices is very burdensome for operators, whether small or large companies.”

Malaysian Pest Management Association president Regine Lim said some companies remain bound by contracts signed before the increase in fuel prices which no longer reflect current operating costs.

“This has forced operators to absorb higher expenses and, in some cases, incur losses,” she said.

Lim said most companies use pickup trucks for their operations, but these vehicles are not included in the sectors which are granted diesel subsidies.

“Diesel is an essential input in pest control operations, including as a carrier substance in spraying activities, as well as for daily logistics.

“Based on the association’s estimates, diesel usage exceeds 4.4 million litres per month across 1,870 companies registered with the Malaysian Pesticides Board,” she added.

Among the services provided by pest control companies are mosquito-spraying to protect public health, as well as other operations to keep premises, housing areas and communities safe from pests.

The price of diesel in West Malaysia is currently fixed at RM5.97 a litre, down from RM6.72 per litre, while the price of subsidised diesel remains at RM2.15 per litre.