KUALA LUMPUR: The restriction on the purchase of RON95 petrol using foreign credit and debit cards at self-service terminals at petrol stations is being enforced in stages nationwide from Wednesday (April 1).
The latest measure is part of the government’s efforts to strengthen the fuel subsidy mechanism in Malaysia following the global energy crisis.
Checks in several states, particularly those bordering neighbouring countries, found that the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry is actively carrying out enforcement and monitoring operations at petrol stations.
Petrol stations appear well-prepared and are complying with regulations governing the use of foreign credit and debit cards for RON95 purchases at self-service terminals.
In Sarawak, the ministry's Enforcement director-general Datuk Azman Adam visited a petrol station in Tasik Biru, Bau, located about 25km from Kuching.
He said petrol station operators have been highly cooperative in complying with the ministry’s directives, but noted that further improvements are needed.
"Among the proposals are to make instructions on petrol and diesel filling limits at petrol stations clearer and more visible, as well as to use graphics to better convey information,” he told reporters.
According to Azman, a total of 283 petrol stations in Sarawak will continue to be monitored to ensure compliance with the guidelines.
In Johor, state ministry director Lilis Saslinda Pornomo said 180 enforcement officers are conducting inspections and monitoring, particularly in hotspot areas and border entry points in the state.
She said monitoring at all 639 petrol stations in the state will also be intensified through daily patrols, including outreach efforts and reminders to foreign vehicle owners.
Meanwhile, in Kelantan, the manager of a petrol station in Kampung Belukar, Tumpat, Ku Muhammad Farid Aidil Ku Din, said all staff have been briefed on the enforcement measures.
"We have not encountered any issues. We welcome the government's initiative to ensure that RON95 remains readily available to local residents," he told reporters.
Bernama checks found that the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry's enforcement officers have been actively monitoring all petrol stations since early Wednesday morning, particularly those near the Malaysia-Thailand border.
In Kedah, the ministry's director Muhammad Nizam Jamaludin said in a statement that 180 enforcement officers have been deployed for inspections and monitoring, in addition to coordinated operations with the Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS), the police, and other enforcement agencies through Ops Tiris 4.0.
Petrol station operator Mohamad Niekmat Ariffin said enforcement measures also include monitoring and controlling fuel sales to prevent misuse, such as filling containers without a permit beyond 20 litres.
In Perlis, state ministry director Rohaida Hassan said the majority of petrol stations understand the rules being enforced and continue to comply with the ban.
She said controls and inspections at 40 petrol stations across Perlis are being intensified daily, both during the day and at night, with particular focus on 10 stations in border areas.
"At this stage, our approach is largely advocacy-focused, aimed at educating and providing clear explanations on the rules regarding foreign credit and debit card use for foreign vehicles," she said. — Bernama
