KUALA LUMPUR – The Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry has raided a fuel station in Melaka for allegedly selling subsidised RON95 fuel to a foreign-registered vehicle, potentially incurring a fine of up to RM1 million.
Melaka Domestic Trade director Norena Jaafar reported that the incident came to their attention after a video went viral on social media, showing a man refuelling his car which carried a foreign number plate with RON95 fuel.
The video sparked outrage among netizens, who expressed shock at the blatant violation of the law.
“The video captures an individual in a foreign-registered vehicle refuelling with subsidised RON95 fuel.
“Based on this footage, the Melaka Domestic Trade Ministry promptly investigated the fuel station in the Alor Gajah area.
“An inspection by enforcement officers revealed that a fuel station in Mukim Sg Baru Ulu, Pekan Masjid Tanah in Alor Gajah, Melaka, is suspected of committing the offence at approximately 4.35pm on June 16, 2024,” she said.
She noted that CCTV footage showed the man paying RM23.17 for the fuel using an outdoor payment terminal, which accepts payments via a prepaid card system.
This action is in response to a directive implemented on June 17, 2022, which prohibits the sale of RON95 fuel to any vehicle, including motorcycles, with foreign registration numbers.
This violation falls under Regulation 12A of the Control of Supplies Regulations 1974, an offence under Regulation 21(1), and is punishable under Section 22(1) of the Control of Supplies Act 1961 (Act 122).
If found guilty, the fuel station operator could face a fine of up to RM1 million, imprisonment for up to three years, or both.
The Domestic Trade Ministry issued a stern reminder to all fuel station operators to strictly comply with the regulations and urged the public to report any instances of subsidised fuel being sold to foreigners through the designated channels. – June 19, 2024.