KUCHING: Action has been taken against a petrol station for violating regulations following the alleged sale of subsidised RON95 petrol to a foreign-registered vehicle.
The incident, which occurred at a petrol station at the Mile 7.5 area here, was highlighted on Facebook recently.
Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) Sarawak director Matthew Dominic Barin said a team of four enforcement officers was deployed to the petrol station on July 20 at 10 am to carry out the investigation following a viral public complaint about a foreign vehicle refuelling at the station.
The case, he said, was probed under the Violation of Subregulation 12A of the Control of Supplies Regulations 1974 under the Control of Supplies Act 1961, for allegedly breaching the directive of the Controller of Supplies namely, the prohibition on the sale of RON95 petrol to foreign-registered vehicles.
“Thus, prompt action was taken by KPDN Sarawak against the petrol station for violating the stipulated regulations to ensure the protection of consumer rights,” he said in a statement on Wednesday.
He added that traders found guilty of such an offence may face penalties.
“For individuals, they could be fined up to RM1 million or jailed for up to three years, or both. Repeat offenders may face a fine of up to RM3 million or five years’ imprisonment, upon conviction,” he said.
“For companies, the offence carries a fine of up to RM2 million for the first offence, and up to RM5 million for subsequent offences,” he said.
Matthew added that the Ministry welcomes complaints from the public and other agencies as part of its continuous efforts to safeguard consumer rights and ensure that only Malaysians benefit from the government-subsidised RON95 petrol.
“As such, distributors and traders are advised to always comply with existing laws and regulations,” he said.
He also urged the public to continue serving as the eyes and ears of the ministry by reporting any information or complaints regarding misconduct in business activities.
Reports can be made via the Ministry’s WhatsApp at 019-8488000, email at e-aduan@kpdn.gov.my, by calling the call centre at 1-800-886-800 or the KPDN’s Ez ADU mobile application.
