KPDN STUDIES LEGISLATIVE AMENDMENTS TO CLOSE RON95 SUBSIDY LOOPHOLES

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 9 (Bernama) -- The Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) is studying several legislative amendments, including action against individuals who fill up or attempt to fill up RON95 petrol illegally, using someone else's identity or any fraudulent methods.

Its minister, Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali, said that for now, enforcement liability is more focused on the licensees or operators of controlled goods premises.

He said measures to enhance legislation must be carried out to close the loophole for manipulation, such as the use of fake registration numbers or tactics to deceive petrol station operators.

"It also provides clarity on reasonable responsibilities for petrol station operators without placing impractical burdens, such as the need to check vehicle technical details beyond their daily operational capabilities.

"This is because the basic principle is that RON95 is a subsidised controlled item that is provided to Malaysians through Malaysian-registered vehicles, in line with the policy of targeted subsidy,” he said when winding up the debate on the motion of thanks for the Royal Address for his ministry in the Dewan Rakyat today.

Armizan said the KPDN is also studying mechanisms to restrict the use of foreign credit cards for the purchase of RON95 petrol, to ensure the subsidy is only enjoyed by eligible Malaysians.

Meanwhile, he said the government will announce a reduction in the sugar incentive rate soon.

"Basically, we are, together with the Ministry of Finance, studying the direction of the price of refined white sugar, while we wait for it to be fixed, our initial step will be to reduce incentives," he said.

To ensure a steady supply of the essential commodity, the government has provided RM42 million a month in subsidies to local sugar producers since November 2023.

At the same session, Armizan said a cost-of-living action plan will be launched in the second quarter of this year to ensure any future actions are taken more effectively and targeted.

-- BERNAMA