YONG PENG: Give hawkers a clear assurance that they can continue using subsidised liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) so that food prices will not be raised, says MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong.
He said this in response to concerns raised by hawkers and consumers nationwide, following the possible hike in prices due to Ops Gasak.
“If it is true that hawkers and small traders are still allowed to use the subsidised LPG, do not beat around the bush.
“Give the people a clear answer in black and white,” he said after opening the Ayer Hitam MCA division annual general meeting here yesterday.
As of May 1, eateries, including hawker stalls, are required to use the 14kg purple-coloured commercial gas cylinders priced at RM70.
The Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry launched Ops Gasak, taking place from May 1 to Oct 31, to look into the misuse of subsidised LPG.
Dr Wee said yesterday that the government should focus on “the real issue” regarding the enforcement of Ops Gasak instead of blaming the previous government for it.
Although the ruling, which requires a permit for the use of more than three 14kg cylinders at one time, was introduced during his time in Cabinet in 2021, he said no enforcement was carried out.
“During our time, there was no such enforcement and being cruel to the hawkers. It is this government that is enforcing the rule and going after hawkers. They even released videos of the operations,” he added.
Dr Wee said there was widespread panic among hawkers following a PETRONAS directive dated April 30, instructing gas distributors to stop selling subsidised LPG (12kg and 14kg cylinders) to all commercial premises including restaurants, food stalls and warung.
“This directive has caused confusion, anxiety and panic among small traders and hawkers.”
Dr Wee said he has been approached by many hawkers – from Cheras, Kuala Lumpur to Yong Peng in Johor – who aired their grievances to him.
He pointed out that many hawkers usually had more than three gas cylinders on standby at their stalls in case they run out of it, as it would take time and cost to order LPG delivery on the spot.
As such, he said that enforcement action should not burden the small traders.
He pointed out other matters that would burden the people, such as the expanded Sales and Service Tax in June, electricity tariffs increase in July and the rationalisation of RON95 fuel subsidies.
“All this will add to the operating costs of small traders.”
Dr Wee said Malaysians deserve to benefit from being among the largest gas producers in the world and that LPG subsidies were not a major financial burden to the government.
Under the Control of Supplies Act, the use of LPG exceeding 42 kg (which amounts to three 14kg cylinders) requires a Scheduled Controlled Goods Permit.
