JOHOR BARU: The Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry has intensified nationwide enforcement against fuel subsidy abuse upon detecting violations involving both petrol and diesel.
Since the ban on foreign-registered vehicles purchasing RON95 took effect April 1, the ministry has recorded 31 offences nationwide.
Enforcement director-general Datuk Azman Adam said the price gap between Malaysia and neighbouring countries continues to drive such misuse, with some offenders claiming confusion over which stations sell RON97.
Offenders face compounds or court action, with fines of up to RM1mil depending on the offence.
Azman said some petrol stations are still adjusting their systems to fully enforce restrictions on foreign payment cards at self-service pumps.
Separately, the Road Transport Department (JPJ) has issued 5,984 summonses worth RM2.195mil under Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP) enforcement since July 2025, following inspections of 82,987 vehicles at key entry points in Johor.
Authorities are now integrating the VEP system with Automatic Number Plate Recognition to enable real-time tracking of foreign vehicles and curb subsidy abuse.
In Selangor, the ministry foiled an attempt to misappropriate about 3,400 litres of subsidised diesel in Pandamaran, Klang.
State enforcement chief Mohd Hanizam Kechek said officers intercepted a modified bonded lorry carrying six bulk containers, each with a capacity of 1,000 litres.
The driver, a man in his 20s, was detained after failing to produce valid documentation.
Investigations suggest the diesel had been collected from multiple petrol stations, based on receipts found.
The seized fuel is valued at over RM100,000, with authorities estimating the operation prevented around RM20,000 in subsidy leaks.
The case is being investigated under the Control of Supplies Act 1961, with further probes expected to identify other parties involved, including petrol station operators.
