KUALA LUMPUR: Amendments to policy and legal regulations on the storage and use of subsidised liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinders are at the final stages of review, says the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry.
It said 19 engagement sessions were held with trade associations, food and beverage (F&B) industry representatives, laundromats, LPG suppliers and related agencies on the matter.
Feedback from the sessions on proposed amendments to the Control of Supplies Regulations (Amendment) 2021 were also tabled in the Parliamentary Select Committee Meeting on Domestic Trade, Entrepreneurship, Cost of Living and Agriculture on Feb 5, it added.
"The ministry is now in the final stages of reviewing policy and legal amendments to create a more holistic and practical mechanism.
"Any decision will be announced following the Cabinet’s approval," it said in a parliamentary written reply on Wednesday (Feb 25).
The ministry added that the review will also take into account the exact needs of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the F&B sector and ensure continuity of supply without impacting domestic users.
It will also take into consideration efforts to manage leakages in subsidised LPG, and adhere to safety standards set by the Energy Commission and the Fire and Rescue Department, it said.
The storage of subsidised LPG cylinders up to 42kg is determined through the Control of Supplies Regulations (Amendment) 2021 as part of a control mechanism.
Following feedback from MSMEs in the F&B sector, the Cabinet agreed on June 5 last year to review and amend the provisions where necessary.
The regulations limit the ownership and use of subsidised LPG cylinders exceeding 42kg at any one time without a scheduled controlled goods permit.
On enforcement, the ministry said Ops Gasak from May 1 to Oct 31 last year recorded 254 cases, with seizures valued at RM7,878,773.47.
"Among the offences found were decanting, selling scheduled products without having the required license, failing to manage an inventory book, storing scheduled product at unlicensed premises, and storing controlled products with malintention," it said.
Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong (BN-Ayer Hitam) asked about current enforcement measures related to subsidised LPG usage and whether or not the government will extend the existing moratorium, or introduce a more practical transition mechanism for traders, small operators and affected SMEs.
