KUALA LUMPUR, April 3 -- A sharp spike in diesel prices is forcing volunteer 4x4 teams, who provide a crucial lifeline to remote indigenous communities, to halt their aid missions, leaving vulnerable villages without essential supplies.

The cost of diesel has nearly doubled in just over a month, surging from around RM3 to RM6.02 per litre due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

This has made it prohibitively expensive for off-roading groups to conduct their humanitarian work, The Straits Times reported.

Off-roading enthusiast Frankie Chan, who leads a team delivering food and medicine to Orang Asli villages in the jungle, said the financial burden has become unsustainable.

"It's tough. Filling up feels like a heartache," ...