KPDN drafting new rules to prohibit RON95 petrol purchases by foreign-registered vehicles, with enforcement targeted to start from April 1.
KUALA LUMPUR: The Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) is drafting new regulations to explicitly prohibit the purchase of RON95 petrol by foreign-registered vehicles.
Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali said the move involves introducing new regulations under the Control of Supplies Act 1961 to strengthen control over the distribution of the subsidised fuel.
He explained the current legal framework only prohibits the sale of RON95 to such vehicles, allowing action against petrol station operators but not against the vehicle owners or drivers.
“Through the new regulations that we are drafting, the prohibition will apply not only to sales but also to purchases,” he said in Parliament.
This means individuals who buy, own or drive foreign-registered vehicles can also be subject to enforcement action.
Armizan said KPDN is currently holding engagement sessions with stakeholders, with the new regulations targeted to be finalised and enforced from April 1.
He was responding to a question on additional measures to curb leakage of RON95 subsidies, particularly at petrol stations in border areas.
To strengthen monitoring, measures include periodic inspections at stations to ensure compliance with the identity card mechanism and the sales ban.
Additional controls include a ban on fuel purchases outside vehicle tanks exceeding 20 litres without a special permit.
Regular monitoring through logbooks and visit records at petrol stations in border areas is also conducted.
Enforcement is carried out through integrated operations with the police, armed forces, maritime agency, customs and border control agency.
“KPDN will continue to strengthen its monitoring and enforcement capabilities to ensure the objectives of RON95 subsidy targeting are achieved,” Armizan said.
He added this is done particularly through Ops Tiris and the nationwide collaborative initiative known as Kita Gempur.
On the Essential Goods Distribution Programme (PBP), Armizan said improvements to prevent leakage include changes to the procurement method.
Delivery companies are now appointed through an open tender system, replacing the previous direct appointment approach.
Claims from suppliers to transporters must now be recorded and supported with uploaded photographs to qualify for reimbursement.
The ministry is also exploring the use of advanced technology to enable more comprehensive monitoring and enforcement.
This is to ensure essential goods reach interior and remote areas effectively.
