JOHOR BAHRU — The Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry (KPDN) in Johor has detected 10 cases of Singapore-registered vehicles filling up with RON95 petrol in the state since the beginning of the year, said its state director Lilis Saslinda Pornomo.
She said seven of the cases were recorded in Johor Bahru, while one case each was detected in Kota Tinggi, Segamat and Pontian.
“In the past week, there have also been three cases that went viral on social media involving Singapore vehicles filling up with RON95 petrol after the implementation of the Budi Madani 95 (Budi95) initiative.
“All the cases are under the ministry’s purview and investigation papers have been opened for each complaint or incident.
“Once the investigation papers are completed, they will be referred to the deputy public prosecutor for further action,” she told reporters after officiating the Johor state-level subsidised petrol control system event at Econsave Taman Teratai Supermarket here today.
Lilis Saslinda also reminded petrol station operators in Johor to be more responsible and vigilant, despite the ministry having held several engagement sessions on the issue.
She said KPDN understands that petrol station operators in Johor face a higher risk of Singapore vehicles misusing subsidised petrol meant for Malaysians, as the state shares a border with Singapore.
“Because of this, petrol station operators here need to maintain a higher level of awareness and take the issue seriously.
“When we investigate, some operators claim they had overlooked the incident, but as an enforcement agency we want to ensure such cases do not recur,” she said.
On the government’s efforts, Lilis Saslinda said KPDN will continue to hold engagement sessions with relevant departments and agencies to tackle the misuse of subsidised petrol.
She suggested that warnings be placed at Johor’s border entry points to remind Singaporean and other foreign motorists that they are prohibited from purchasing RON95.
“Sometimes, drivers of Singapore-registered vehicles still attempt to fill up with RON95 despite knowing it is not allowed.
“This is why having a dedicated team among petrol station operators and raising public awareness remain crucial in curbing such practices,” she said.
Lilis Saslinda also stressed that Malaysians driving Singapore-registered vehicles are likewise prohibited from buying RON95.
“Even if they are Malaysians, they cannot purchase RON95 as long as they are driving a foreign-registered vehicle,” she said.
