PONTIAN: With thousands of Singapore-registered vehicles expected to enter Johor for Chinese New Year celebrations, the state 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 refueling with RON95 at a petrol station in Johor Baru city last Tuesday (Jan 21).
A video of the foreign vehicle pumping RON95 petrol has gone viral on social media, prompting the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry to immediately 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."
Lilis Saslinda addressed the media after launching the state-level Festive Season Maximum Price Control Scheme (SHMMP) in conjunction with Chinese New Year celebrations at Econsave Pekan Nanas on Saturday (Jan 25).
She added that a petrol station worker noticed the type of petrol being pumped and immediately stopped the refueling.
"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, 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.
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 1-800-886-800 or WhatsApp at 019-848 8000.
Complaints can also be lodged via email at e-aduan@kpdn.gov.my or through the smartphone app Ez Adu KPDN, with each complaint being investigated.
