THE Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry has launched an advocacy campaign pilot project on the ban of subsidised RON95 petrol and diesel sales to foreign-registered vehicles before expanding it nationwide.

Ministry deputy enforcement (operations) director Shamsul Nizam Khalil said Perlis was chosen for the pilot project because petrol stations in the state, which are close to the Malaysian-Thai border, are often frequented by foreign-registered vehicles.

“To overcome this recurring issue, the ministry through its enforcement division has taken proactive measures to conduct a 14-day advocacy campaign involving 40 petrol station operators here (in Perlis), beginning today,” he told reporters in Padang Besar today.

Shamsul Nizam said action under the Control of Supplies Act 1961 and Control of Supplies Regulations 1974 will be taken against anyone who violates the ban after the 14-day advocacy period.

He said anyone found guilty of committing the offence is liable to a fine of not more than RM1 million, while for subsequent offences, the offenders can be fined not more than RM3 million, imprisoned for not more than three years, or both.

As for companies, he said they can be fined up to RM2 million for the first offence and up to RM5 million for subsequent offences, if convicted.

Shamsul Nizam said the ministry will distribute 250 notices to owners of foreign-registered vehicles at the immigration, customs, quarantine and security complexes in Padang Besar dan Wang Kelian. – Bernama, February 1, 2023.