Miri Mayor appeals for fuel purchase exemption for Bruneians

MIRI: Miri Mayor Adam Yii Siew Sang has formally submitted an appeal to the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry (KPDN) branch here for an exemption allowing Bruneians to purchase fuel in Miri.

“Earlier this morning, we submitted an appeal letter regarding the availability of petrol for foreigners, specifically Bruneians,” said Yii after meeting with KPDN Miri chief Thomas Chua at Yu Lan Plaza today.

Recent regulations have prohibited Bruneians from purchasing petrol in Miri, causing inconvenience for travelers.

Yii highlighted the difference in fuel prices between Brunei and Malaysia, noting that Bruneians have access to cheaper petrol at home, thus dispelling concerns about them exploiting Malaysian fuel prices.

“In contrast to the situation in Singapore, where Singaporeans might come to Malaysia to take advantage of lower petrol prices, Bruneians have no such incentive. They need fuel for genuine travel purposes,” Yii explained.

The mayor emphasised that the regulation could negatively impact tourism, particularly with the completion of the Pan Borneo Highway, which is expected to attract more Bruneian visitors eager to explore Sarawak.

“The rule makes travel inconvenient, if not impossible, and it may hamper our tourism. We have many Bruneians visiting, especially with the new highway,” he added.

Yii expressed hope for leniency, stressing the genuine need for Bruneians to refuel during their travels.

“When they come over, they want to have a full tank. That’s why we are appealing to review this policy,” he said, stressing that the request for exemption is specific to Bruneians and does not extend to other foreign vehicles.

The decision now rests with higher authorities in the Malaysian government.

Meanwhile, Miri KPDN chief Chua noted that this is the first official appeal letter on the issue.