RON95 ban enforcement for foreign-registered vehicles to start April 1, says minister

KOTA KINABALU (March 26): Preparations are underway to expand the ban on the purchase and sale of RON95 petrol to foreign-registered vehicles, said Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali.

He said the move strengthens the existing legal framework, where offences were previously imposed only on petrol station operators.

“Beginning April 1, the offence will also extend to drivers and owners of foreign-registered vehicles,” he said in a Facebook post.

Armizan said the decision was presented in Parliament on Jan 29, as part of efforts to curb leakages and misuse of subsidised fuel, particularly in border areas.

He said enforcement will be intensified under Ops Tiris 4.0 in response to heightened risks of fuel smuggling amid ongoing tensions in West Asia.

“The ministry will not compromise with any individual, syndicate or operator involved in the smuggling or misuse of subsidised fuel. Strict action will be taken under existing laws,” he said.

Armizan had earlier chaired a meeting with the ministry’s Enforcement Division to finalise preparations for the expanded enforcement.

An engagement session was also held with the Malaysia Retail Association (MRA) to discuss the impact of the West Asia conflict on supply security and price stability.

He said the supply of essential imported goods remains sufficient despite logistical challenges and higher packaging costs, supported by close cooperation between the government and industry players.

Armizan urged petrol station operators and users of foreign-registered vehicles to comply with the ban, warning that non-compliance would result in firm action.

He also called on the public to report suspicious activities related to subsidised fuel smuggling.