KPDN to Ban RON95 Purchases by Foreign Vehicles

The Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) is preparing new regulations that will formally bar foreign-registered vehicles from purchasing RON95 petrol nationwide, as part of wider efforts to tighten subsidy controls.

Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali said the regulations are being drafted under Section 6 of the Control of Supplies Act 1961 to strengthen enforcement against misuse of subsidised fuel.

He explained that the current framework, under Regulation 12A, only restricts the sale of RON95 petrol, which allows action to be taken against petrol station operators but not against buyers or drivers of foreign-registered vehicles.

Under the proposed regulations, the prohibition will be extended to cover purchases as well, allowing enforcement agencies to take action against individuals who buy or use RON95 in foreign-registered vehicles.

Armizan said KPDN is currently engaging with relevant stakeholders, with the regulations targeted to be finalised and enforced from April 1.

Additionally to strengthen monitoring at the retail level, Armizan said enforcement will include more frequent inspections at petrol stations and stricter compliance with identity card verification mechanisms.

He added that controls will also be tightened on fuel purchases outside vehicle tanks, with volumes exceeding 20 litres requiring special permits, alongside regular monitoring through logbooks and visit records at border-area petrol stations.

Armizan said enforcement efforts are carried out through integrated operations involving the Royal Malaysia Police, Malaysian Armed Forces, Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency, Royal Malaysian Customs Department and the Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency.

Source: Bernama