Kuala Lumpur: The government has introduced new diesel purchase limits in Sabah and Sarawak to curb hoarding and smuggling of subsidised fuel amid global supply uncertainties.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the move would see caps imposed on fuel purchases per transaction.
Light vehicles will be limited to 50 litres, vehicles under three tonnes capped at 100 litres, and those exceeding three tonnes restricted to 150 litres.
He said the measures were necessary to ensure fair distribution of diesel and to prevent leakages.
“Without such adjustments, we risk increased hoarding and smuggling activities, as has been detected previously,” he said.
Meanwhile, the ban on the purchase and sale of RON95 petrol to foreign-registered vehicles will be expanded effective April 1, as part of efforts to strengthen fuel subsidy controls and prevent smuggling.
Minister of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN), Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali, said the expansion reinforces the existing legal framework, which previously placed the offence solely on petrol station operators.
Under the new implementation, offences would also extend to drivers or owners of foreign-registered vehicles found violating the prohibition.
“This enforcement follows a decision I presented in Parliament on Jan. 29 aimed at ensuring that the RON95 subsidy is fully enjoyed by local citizens,” he said, after chairing a meeting with the KPDN Enforcement Division, Thursday.
He said enforcement would continue to be strengthened through the implementation of Ops Tiris 4.0 (Integrated), following increased risks of fuel leakage and smuggling, particularly in border areas amid ongoing tensions in West Asia.
The Ministry would not compromise with any individual, syndicates or operators involved in the misappropriation of fuel subsidies.
“Failure to comply with regulations will result in strict action under the existing laws, and I urge the public to continue playing their role as the government’s eyes and ears by channeling information on suspicious activities,” he said.
Earlier, Armizan assured that the stability of prices and supply of imported essential goods remains sufficient despite challenges such as rising logistics and packaging costs due to the West Asia conflict.
He said an engagement session was held with the Malaysia Retail Association (MRA) to discuss issues related to the West Asia conflict and its implications on supply security and price stability.
Close cooperation between the government and industry has ensured that supply of imported essential goods remains adequate.
