The Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry will increase monitoring and enforcement activities at all petrol stations following the reopening of international borders, particularly those located near land entries.
In a statement, its minister, Alexander Nanta Linggi, referred to a photograph that showed the owner of a foreign vehicle filling up his car with what appeared to be subsidised fuel based on the nozzle colour.
"The ministry views this matter seriously, and I have instructed the ministry's enforcement division to conduct an immediate investigation.
"I have also ordered for more aggressive surveillance at all petrol stations, particularly those located nearby neighbouring countries, to prevent leakage of subsidised petrol for foreign vehicles," he said.
The reopening of international borders on April 1 was expected to boost economic activities, including in Johor, Kelantan and Kedah, with land borders to Singapore and Thailand.
Earlier today, former premier Najib Abdul Razak took to Facebook and shared the viral photograph, pointing out that the pump price of RM2.05 per litre for RON95 petrol placed Malaysia among the countries with the lowest price in the world.
He said even the RON97 petrol permitted for sale to foreigners at RM3.91 per litre remains low compared to neighbouring countries.
Further, Alexander said more aggressive enforcement will be carried out with the launch of Ops Pantau 2022 today.
"Aside from ensuring adequate supplies of goods that are sold at reasonable prices, Ops Pantau 2022 will also ensure high levels of compliance by traders, following the reopening of the economy and international borders," he said.
The Control of Supplies Act 1961 provides for a maximum sentence of RM1 million fine, three years jail or both for individuals, while companies could be fined up to RM2 million if found guilty of breaking conditions related to the sale of controlled items. - Mkini
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