JOHOR BARU: The Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry has assured that no enforcement action will be taken under Ops Gasak against micro businesses, such as self-service laundromats and small eateries.
Deputy Minister Dr Fuziah Salleh stated that the clarification was made in response to the confusion and concern expressed by small traders who depend on subsidised liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) for their operations.
She said the presence of the ministry’s enforcement officers on the premises was solely to collect data and feedback, which would later be presented to the Cabinet as part of a review of the Supply Control Regulations (Amendment) 2021.
“I want to stress that no action will be taken against small food stalls, roadside eateries or self-service laundromats until Ops Gasak concludes on Oct 31.
“When our enforcement team is on the ground, they are mainly there to gather data. Even stakeholder engagement sessions are part of our process to understand LPG usage and its implications for end users,” she added.
She said this in a press conference after attending a meeting with Johor LPG industry stakeholders held at a hotel here on Thursday (June 19).
Fuziah said the ministry has been carrying out Ops Gasak since May 1 because subsidised LPG has been misused by certain ineligible commercial sectors, particularly hotels.
“I personally visited hotel laundry areas where subsidised gas was used to wash towels and bedsheets. This is an example of leakage.
“We can guarantee that enforcement action will not be taken if micro traders use subsidised LPG until Oct 31. Once we complete data collection, it will be tabled as recommendations for policy consideration,” she said.
She added that the Cabinet has agreed to revisit the amendments to the Supply Control Regulations, but no final decision has been made.
Fuziah also reminded business owners that those storing more than three cylinders of subsidised LPG must apply for a permit for safety reasons.
“Previously, under the amended Act, permit holders were required to use non-subsidised gas. That is why a review is necessary,” she added.
She said the ministry was now reviewing the system to ensure traders still apply for permits, but would not be forced to switch to unsubsidised gas.
“The engagement is valuable because it gave traders a chance to ask questions and raise concerns about licensing. These permits are vital to ensure safety and to prevent leakage of subsidised LPG in the commercial sector,” she said.
Ops Gasak was launched on May 1 to tackle the misuse and diversion of subsidised LPG cylinders, particularly involving medium- and large-scale industry players.
The operation also targets illegal decanting activities where subsidised LPG was transferred into commercial or non-subsidised cylinders for resale or smuggling purposes.
Ops Gasak would run until Oct 31 under the Supply Control Regulations (Amendment) 2021, which came into force on Oct 15, 2021.
