The Petrol Dealers Association of Malaysia supports new enforcement against foreign vehicles misusing subsidised RON95 petrol from April 1, calling for fair and practical measures.
KUALA LUMPUR: The Petrol Dealers Association of Malaysia (PDAM) has expressed full support for the government’s move to expand enforcement against subsidised RON95 petrol misuse to include drivers of foreign-registered vehicles from April 1.
In a statement, PDAM noted violations involving foreign vehicles often go unpunished as they are rarely caught in the act.
They are typically exposed only after video evidence goes viral.
“Shifting liability to the buyer has long been our position,” the association said. It stated that for the first time, the real perpetrators can be held directly responsible.
PDAM also endorsed firm action against petrol station operators who knowingly sell subsidised fuel to ineligible customers.
However, it argued that enforcement responsibility must lie with authorities.
The association noted operators lack the authority and practical ability to verify every vehicle, especially at busy stations.
It emphasised penalties must be fair and based on clear intent.
Operators acting without intent or knowledge face substantial fines of between RM1 million and RM1.5 million.
Therefore, drivers who deliberately violate rules should also face proportionate penalties.
The association expressed concern over reports of exploitation, including doctored images and fake foreign number plates.
It also cited extortion attempts that take advantage of the current enforcement gap.
Several operators have already lodged police reports regarding these incidents.
PDAM supports implementing technology-based enforcement, such as systems that automatically detect foreign vehicles.
Such systems would restrict them from purchasing RON97.
If this proves too costly or impractical, the association urges authorities to focus enforcement on high-impact leaks.
This includes targeting organised smuggling syndicates and large-scale fraud.
“We are not asking for softer enforcement, but for enforcement that is fair, practical, and based on real economic impact,” PDAM concluded.
