A foreign motorist was fined RM 20,000 (approximately Rp 88 million) by a Sessions Court in Malaysia for purchasing subsidized RON 95 gasoline. According to reports from CNA and the New Straits Times, the driver—a Singaporean national—was caught by the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living on April 9, marking an enforcement action under the Control of Supplies Act 1961.
How Malaysia Enforces Fuel Subsidy Restrictions
Malaysia has prohibited vehicles with foreign license plates from purchasing subsidized RON 95 fuel since 2010. The policy is designed to ensure that state-funded fuel discounts benefit only local citizens. As of the latest reporting, the subsidized price for RON 95 is set at RM 1.99 per liter for eligible Malaysians.
The enforcement mechanism was bolstered on April 1, when stricter protocols were implemented to penalize both the foreign drivers and the service station operators who facilitate these sales. Lilis Saslinda Pornomo, the Ministry’s director for the Johor region, stated that these prosecutions reflect the government’s commitment to stabilizing national supply and protecting consumer interests.
Under the Control of Supplies Act 1961, repeat offenders face even steeper penalties. While a first offense carries fines up to RM 1 million or three years in prison, subsequent violations can result in fines reaching RM 3 million and five years of incarceration for individuals.
What Are the Legal Consequences for Violators?
The judicial response to fuel subsidy abuse is significant. In the Johor case, Judge Che Wan Zaidi Che Wan Ibrahim handed down the RM 20,000 fine, with a default sentence of three months imprisonment if the payment was not met. The defendant paid the fine in full on the same day the verdict was delivered.
The legal framework distinguishes between individual motorists and corporate entities. While individuals face the aforementioned fines and prison time, businesses operating gas stations caught selling subsidized fuel to foreign-registered vehicles face corporate penalties of up to RM 2 million for a first offense, scaling to RM 5 million for repeat violations.
Future Trends in Border Fuel Policy
The shift from merely punishing station operators to actively targeting individual drivers signals a more aggressive approach to border resource management.
If you are driving a foreign-registered vehicle in Malaysia, ensure you are familiar with local fuel regulations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are foreign vehicles banned from buying RON 95 in Malaysia?
RON 95 is a subsidized product intended exclusively for Malaysian citizens to keep living costs manageable. Using it for foreign vehicles is considered a misappropriation of public funds.
Can service station operators be fined for selling fuel to foreigners?
Yes. Under the Control of Supplies Act 1961, operators face severe financial penalties, ranging from RM 2 million to RM 5 million depending on the frequency of the violation.
What happens if a driver cannot pay the fine?
In the recent Johor case, the court ordered a three-month prison term as a default for non-payment.
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