Foreign cars cannot use subsidised RON95 petrol, ministry reminds petrol stations in Johor
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A video of a foreign vehicle pumping RON95 petrol has gone viral on social media, prompting the ministry to investigate.
PHOTO: THE NEW PAPER FILE
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PONTIAN - With thousands of Singapore-registered vehicles expected to enter Johor for Chinese New Year celebrations, the state’s Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry has reminded petrol stations to ensure these vehicles do not fill up using subsidised RON95 petrol.
State ministry director Lilis Saslinda Pornomo issued this reminder after a Singapore-registered car was caught refuelling with RON95 fuel at a petrol station in Johor Bahru on Jan 21.
A video of the foreign vehicle pumping RON95 petrol has gone viral on social media, prompting the ministry to investigate.
“Following our investigation, we found that this particular female vehicle owner chose a petrol pump at the far end, away from the cashier,” she said.
“She also used a debit card to pay for the fuel. But instead of using RON97 fuel, which is meant for foreign-registered vehicles, she used the subsidised RON95.”
Ms Lilis Saslinda was speaking to the media after launching the state-level Festive Season Maximum Price Control Scheme (SHMMP) in conjunction with Chinese New Year celebrations in Pekan Nanas on Jan 25.
She added that a petrol station worker noticed the type of petrol being pumped and immediately stopped the refuelling.
“This vehicle owner only managed to fill about a litre of RON95 before the worker intervened and directed her to use RON97 fuel,” she said.
When asked about payment methods for foreign-registered vehicles, Ms Lilis Saslinda stated there are currently no directives requiring cash payments.
“Despite the lack of such instructions from the ministry, I believe petrol station owners must be vigilant to ensure no foreign-registered vehicles use RON95 petrol.”
“This includes placing attendants at each pump to ensure compliance with Malaysian law,” she added.
To enforce compliance, the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry will conduct frequent checks at petrol stations, particularly those near the Causeway and Second Link.
“We will deploy 200 enforcement personnel during the festive season,” she said.
“Besides checking petrol stations, they will ensure sellers comply with price control under SHMMP.
“The ministry can take action against petrol station owners who allow foreign vehicles to use RON95 and sellers not adhering to SHMMP,” she added.
Ms Lilis Saslinda urged consumers and the public to report irresponsible sellers and petrol station owners to the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry via WhatsApp on +6019 848 8000.
Complaints can also be lodged via e-mail at e-aduan@kpdn.gov.my
