In response to rising concerns over the misuse of subsidised RON95 petrol, the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry in Johor is deploying 200 enforcement officers across the state. This measure aims to curb the sale of subsidised fuel to foreign-registered vehicles, particularly during the upcoming Chinese New Year celebrations. The ministry's decision follows a viral incident involving a Singapore-registered vehicle that highlighted the need for stricter monitoring at petrol stations.
On January 21, in Taman Pelangi, Johor Bahru, a woman driving a Singapore-registered vehicle was caught allegedly attempting to refuel with subsidised RON95 petrol. The incident, captured in a 12-second video, showed the woman refueling less than one litre, valued at approximately RM1, before being stopped. The video quickly spread on social media, prompting an investigation by the ministry.
"We have evidence showing that the woman managed to refuel less than one litre, worth about RM1, before being stopped. She then refuelled with RON97, which is designated for foreign-registered vehicles in Malaysia," – Lilis
The sale of subsidised RON95 petrol is strictly reserved for Malaysia-registered vehicles. Since 2010, it has been an offence to supply this subsidised fuel to foreign-registered vehicles under the Control of Supplies Act 1961. Petrol station operators found guilty of violating this regulation face fines of up to RM1 million (US$228,425) for a first offence and up to RM3 million or imprisonment for three years, or both, for repeated offences.
The Malaysian government subsidises RON95 fuel to support local consumers, making it significantly cheaper than other fuel types available for foreign vehicles. The retail price of diesel in Peninsular Malaysia remains set at RM3.35 per litre under the Automatic Pricing Mechanism formula.
The ministry has made it clear that the onus is on petrol station owners to prevent such infractions.
"The primary responsibility lies with petrol station owners, they must take action to ensure no foreign-registered vehicles refuel with RON95, including assigning staff to prevent such incidents, especially during the festive season," – Lilis
In light of this responsibility, additional enforcement officers will focus their efforts on kiosks near high-traffic areas such as the Johor-Singapore Causeway and Second Link. These locations are expected to see a surge in Singapore-registered vehicles entering Johor during the festive period.
The incident at Taman Pelangi revealed that the woman had chosen a pump far from the cashier's view, indicating potential loopholes in self-service stations where oversight might be lacking.
"Following our investigation, we found that this particular female vehicle owner chose a petrol pump at the far end, away from the cashier," – Lilis
Currently, there is no directive requiring foreign-registered vehicles to use cash instead of credit or debit cards when purchasing fuel, which could help mitigate the misuse of subsidised petrol. However, the ministry is considering various strategies as part of stepped-up enforcement measures to address this issue.
The Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry had already mobilised 187 enforcement officers last year to monitor targeted diesel subsidy implementations. This proactive approach underscores Malaysia's commitment to ensuring that its subsidised fuel benefits its citizens as intended.
"The ministry can take action against petrol station owners who allow foreign vehicles to use RON95 and sellers not adhering to the Festive Season Maximum Price Scheme (SHMMP)," – Lilis Saslinda Pornomo
Leave a Reply