Operators Station Staff at Pumps to Curb Foreign-Registered Vehicles from Using Government-Subsidised Fuel
Petrol station operators in Johor Bahru (JB) are tightening security to prevent foreign-registered vehicles from illegally purchasing government-subsidised RON95 petrol. To address this issue, attendants are now stationed at pumps to monitor vehicles and ensure compliance with fuel regulations, according to Malaysian news outlet The Star.
The Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry has also deployed personnel to patrol petrol stations after videos emerged showing Singaporean motorists buying subsidised fuel. These actions have drawn attention on social media, leading to public outcry and concerns over fuel misuse.
A supervisor at a JB petrol station in Jalan Bukit Chagar explained that he frequently had to inform Singaporean drivers that purchasing RON95 petrol was against the law for foreign-registered vehicles. Some Singaporean motorists reportedly argued with staff, trying to bypass regulations by using pumps situated away from the station’s cashier counter to avoid detection. However, vigilant staff have been able to catch these attempts by closely monitoring vehicle entries.
The authorities have warned that petrol station operators found violating the ban could face severe penalties. The Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry has issued a directive to petrol companies near the Singapore border, warning them that violations could lead to fines up to RM2 million (approximately S$642,000). As of April 5, the ministry had received seven complaints of subsidised petrol misuse in Johor, and two petrol stations are currently under investigation.
This crackdown on illegal RON95 sales aims to safeguard Malaysia’s subsidised petrol system, ensuring that it benefits the local population rather than foreign visitors.
