PUTRAJAYA, 13 April 2022 - Following the opening of the country's border gates on 1 April 2022, the country received a large number of vehicles from various countries. There were also reports received from the public and the media about foreign vehicles refueling RON95 petrol especially at National border petrol stations.

According to the Minister of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs, Dato Sri Alexander Nanta Linggi, informed that in curbing this from happening again, the Ministry intensified enforcement to ensure all foreign registered vehicles including motorcycles are not allowed to refuel RON95 petrol nationwide. However, such vehicles are allowed to refuel RON 97 at petrol stations throughout the country.

KPDNHEP has held a meeting with the Malaysian Petrol Station Operators Association and the association has expressed support and commitment to ensure that all petrol stations in Malaysia comply with the legislation related to the ban on the sale of RON 95 at all petrol stations in Malaysia.

He added that KPDNHEP has also mobilized a total of 2,200 KPDNHEP Enforcement officers to carry out inspections and enhance enforcement activities throughout the country against any persons and petrol station operators who try to violate the relevant legislation. In addition, the Ministry's enforcement officers will adapt the Ops Samar approach by wearing civilian clothes (not wearing uniforms) in carrying out this enforcement.

Any person or petrol station operator who commits an offense can be prosecuted under the Control of Supply Act 1961 (Act 122) and if convicted can be fined not more than RM1,000,000.00 (Ringgit Malaysia One Million) while for subsequent offenses not exceeding RM3,000,000.00 ( Ringgit Malaysia Three Million) for an individual or imprisonment not exceeding three years or both while for a company if convicted can be fined not more than RM2,000,000.00 (Ringgit Malaysia Two Million) while for subsequent offenses not exceeding RM5,000,000.00 (Ringgit Malaysia Five Million).

He stressed that the Ministry will take action by suspending the licenses of the oil operators involved until the investigation is completed. A stern warning was also given to all people and oil operators that the ministry would not compromise with any party found guilty. Strict action will be taken including prosecuting them in Court based on the legal provisions under the Control of Supply Act 1961.

Finally, if the public has information about any person or petrol station operator who violates this legislation, they can channel a complaint to the Ministry through the Ministry's official complaint channel.

By: Corporate Communications Unit