PETALING JAYA: Enforcement against subsidised liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) gas abuse under Ops Gasak should focus on large-scale operations and at the borders and not on petty traders and hawkers, says Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong.
"The issue at hand is the smuggling activities at the border and abuse of targeted subsidies. It should not be to punish small traders who are trying to earn a living.
"The PETRONAS directive on April 30, which references the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry, clearly shows the effects of enforcement action against small traders," the Ayer Hitam MP said in a video posted to TikTok.
"The official letter by PETRONAS directed all gas dealers to stop selling 12kg and 14kg subsidised LPG gas cylinders to commercial premises, including restaurants, hawkers stalls and mamak shops," he said.
The MCA president said this directive created confusion and fear among thousands of small traders who were now worried about action being taken against them although they were using small cylinders.
"The videos and complaints on raids from small traders showed that action was taken not only on big businesses, as alleged.
"If petty traders are allowed to use subsidised gas, bring the proposal to Cabinet and make a final decision that from now, all petty traders can use subsidised LPG gas," Dr Wee added.
On Sunday (June 1), Dr Wee had asked the government to give hawkers a clear assurance that they can continue using subsidised LPG so that food prices would not be raised.
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 on Sunday.
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.
