Singaporean driver fined US$4,900 for illegally pumping subsidized RON95 fuel in Johor

A driver of a Singapore-registered car has been fined RM20,000 (approximately US$4,900) for illegally purchasing subsidized RON95 petrol at a Johor petrol station. The driver, who is in his 50s, pleaded guilty to the charge in Sessions Court.

Sessions Court judge Che Wan Zaidi Che Wan Ibrahim sentenced the man to pay the substantial fine or serve three months in jail. The driver opted to pay the fine on the same day the sentence was passed. Local media, including the New Straits Times (NST) and Astro Awani, reported on the case, identifying the offender as a Singaporean national but withholding his name.

The incident occurred on April 9, shortly after new regulations took effect on April 1. Enforcement officers from the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry apprehended the man while he was filling his vehicle with the subsidized fuel. This prosecution underscores the ministry's commitment to preventing the misuse of controlled goods, thereby safeguarding consumer interests and national supply stability, according to Johor chapter director Lilis Saslinda Pornomo.

Under Malaysia's Control of Supplies Act 1961, it is illegal for foreign-registered vehicles to purchase controlled goods like RON95 petrol. Previously, penalties were primarily directed at petrol station operators. However, new rules implemented on April 1 allow authorities to take action against both the vehicle owner and the station operator.

Malaysia has maintained a long-standing policy, in place since 2010, to prevent foreign vehicles from accessing subsidized RON95 petrol. This measure ensures that the fuel, currently priced at RM1.99 per liter for eligible Malaysians, primarily benefits the nation's citizens. Convicted motorists face severe penalties, including fines up to RM1 million and jail terms of up to three years, with repeat offenders facing even harsher consequences.

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The successful prosecution underscored the ministry's commitment to combating the misappropriation of controlled goods to protect consumer interests and ensure national supply stability.