KPDN to review diesel fuel policy for Bruneian visitors in Sarawak

MIRI: The Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) is set to conduct a comprehensive study alongside the Ministry of Finance to address the ongoing fuel supply concerns affecting Bruneian visitors in Sarawak, particularly in Miri.

This move follows a recent viral incident on social media, where a convoy from Brunei reported difficulties in obtaining diesel fuel during their travels in the state.

KPDN minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali clarified the situation, noting that the misunderstanding stemmed from the existing policy regarding diesel fuel sales near the Brunei-Malaysia border.

“There seems to be confusion among petrol station operators about the policy. Within a 30km radius from the border, the sale of diesel fuel to foreign vehicles is capped at 20 litres.

“However, beyond this radius, there is no such restriction, provided the fuel is for the vehicle’s tank within Sarawak,” Armizan explained. He was speaking to the media here on Monday (Aug 26).

He noted that under these conditions, there should be no issue with the availability of diesel fuel for Bruneian vehicles travelling throughout Sarawak.

In addition to addressing the diesel fuel issue, he revealed that the ministry, together with the federal government, is considering a proposal to allow Bruneian vehicles to purchase RON95 fuel in Sarawak.

“Currently, foreign vehicles, including those from Brunei, are only permitted to refuel with RON97 in Sarawak. This policy is in place to prevent smuggling, as the price of petrol in Brunei is significantly lower than in Sarawak.”

The proposed changes aim to enhance the experience of Bruneian tourists in Sarawak while ensuring that local policies effectively prevent any illegal activities, such as fuel smuggling.

Armizan assured that the ministry will continue to engage with the Ministry of Finance to refine this proposal, taking into account key data, including the locations of petrol stations supplying RON97 in Sarawak, particularly in areas with high concentrations of Bruneian visitors.

Accompanying the minister during the announcement were Deputy Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts I (Tourism) Datuk Sebastian Ting Chiew Yew, Miri MP Chiew Choon Man and Miri mayor Adam Yii Siew Sang, who is also the Pujut assemblyman.