KUALA LUMPUR: Enforcement of restrictions on the purchase of RON95 petrol using foreign credit and debit cards at self-service petrol pump terminals will be implemented in stages nationwide starting today.
The latest move is part of the government’s efforts to strengthen the fuel subsidy mechanism in Malaysia following the global energy crisis.
A survey in several states, especially those bordering neighboring countries, found that the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) is actively implementing enforcement and monitoring operations at petrol stations.
Apart from monitoring operations, petrol station operators are also seen to be prepared and comply with regulations regarding restrictions on the sale of RON95 petrol using foreign credit and debit cards at self-service terminals.
In SARAWAK , KPDN Enforcement Director-General Datuk Azman Adam also inspected the implementation of the new regulations at Tasik Biru, Bau, which is located about 25 kilometres from Kuching city.
He said the cooperation given by petrol station operators, including in Sarawak, towards the implementation of petrol and diesel filling controls was very good.
At the same time, he said there were several improvements that needed to be made to increase the effectiveness of delivering information to the public regarding the latest ban.
“Among the suggestions are enlarging the display of instructions regarding petrol and diesel filling limits at petrol stations so that they are clearer and easier for users to understand, as well as using graphic communication materials so that the presentation of information is more attractive and effective,” he said.
Azman said 283 petrol stations in Sarawak would continue to be monitored to ensure compliance with the guidelines.
In JOHOR , state KPDN Director Lilis Saslinda Pornomo said 180 enforcement officers were carrying out inspections and monitoring in the field, especially in hotspot areas and border crossings in the state.
He said monitoring at all 639 petrol stations in the state would also continue to be enhanced through daily patrols, including making announcements and reminders to foreign vehicle owners regarding enforcement.
“In addition, we also place static enforcement officers in strategic locations and carry out regular surprise inspections,” he told Bernama after inspecting enforcement at a petrol station in Johor Bahru.
Meanwhile in KELANTAN , the manager of a petrol station in Kampung Belukar, Tumpat here, Ku Muhammad Farid Aidil Ku Din said all staff at the station had been briefed on the enforcement.
“We are not facing any problems implementing it. We very much welcome the steps taken by this government in ensuring that RON95 can be fully enjoyed by local people,” he said when met by reporters today.
Bernama’s survey of several petrol stations also found that Kelantan KPDN enforcement officers have been actively conducting regular monitoring at all petrol stations since early this morning, especially at locations near the Malaysia-Thailand border.
In KEDAH , state KPDN Director Muhammad Nizam Jamaludin in a statement said that 180 enforcement officers were assigned to carry out inspections and monitoring in the field, in addition to integrated cooperation with the Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS), Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) and other enforcement agencies, through Ops Tiris 4.0.
A survey at several petrol stations in Changlun, near the national border, found that no foreign vehicles were seen filling up with RON95 petrol.
A petrol station operator, Mohamad Niekmat Ariffin, said all his employees had been informed of the enforcement order banning the sale of RON95 petrol to foreign vehicles as well as the restriction on foreign credit and debit cards at self-service terminals which began to be implemented today.
“We also monitor and control oil sales to prevent misuse, for example filling barrels without a permit exceeding 20 litres,” he said.
In PERLIS , most petrol station operators are aware of and comply with the restrictions on sales using foreign credit and debit cards at self-service petrol pump terminals, and they even take the initiative to make announcements by posting notices at petrol pumps.
Perlis KPDN director Rohaida Hassan, who also participated in today’s inspection operation, said the majority of petrol stations understood the regulations enforced today and complied with the ban.
He said his department had also increased controls and inspections at 40 petrol stations throughout Perlis every day during the day and night, with a focus on more than 10 petrol stations located in border areas.
“For starters, we are more about advocacy to educate and provide information about the regulations for using foreign credit cards and debit cards for foreign vehicles,” he said.
— BERNAMA
