A Singapore permanent resident was fined RM9,000 (S$2,850) in a Malaysian court after being filmed pumping subsidized RON95 petrol into a vehicle with a partially obscured license plate.
Details of the Case
Malaysian national Long Sa Kow, 63, was charged in the Magistrate’s Court in Kulai, Johor, on January 14th with displaying a vehicle registration plate that did not belong to his vehicle, a violation of Section 108(3)(e) of the Road Transport Act. He pleaded guilty before Magistrate R Salini, though he maintained he did not alter the plate itself.
According to Deputy Public Prosecutor S. Thiviya, police investigations revealed that Long had concealed his vehicle’s registration plate – SLJ8967M – to display “LJ8967” in order to purchase the cheaper fuel. Long confirmed this account to the court.
The offense carries a potential penalty of between RM5,000 and RM20,000, or imprisonment for one to five years, or both. Long’s lawyer, Sharmaine Fairuz Mohd Zulkifly, appealed for leniency, citing this as his first offense and highlighting his family’s financial circumstances – he is retired with three children, two of whom are still students, and his wife is a homemaker.
DPP Thiviya argued that the sentence should serve as a deterrent, emphasizing the importance of respecting the rights and privileges afforded to Malaysian citizens. Long paid the fine following the sentencing.
Context of the Incident
The case originated from a video that went viral on social media earlier this month, showing a silver Volkswagen sedan being refueled with RON95 petrol. The vehicle’s license plate appeared to have its first and last letters covered with black tape. Currently, non-citizens in Malaysia pay RM2.60 for RON95 fuel, while those with foreign-registered vehicles must purchase the more expensive RON97 petrol, priced at RM3.11 per litre on January 14th.
Frequently Asked Questions
What specific law did Long Sa Kow violate?
Long Sa Kow was charged under Section 108(3)(e) of the Road Transport Act, which covers “false statements,” including furnishing false registration or licensing of a motor vehicle.
What is the BUDI95 scheme?
BUDI95 is a Malaysian government scheme, announced in September 2023, that allows Malaysian citizens with valid MyKad identity cards and Malaysia-registered vehicles to purchase RON95 fuel at a subsidized rate of RM1.99 per litre, with a monthly cap of 300 litres.
What was the outcome of the case?
Long Sa Kow pleaded guilty and was fined RM9,000 (S$2,850) by the Magistrate’s Court in Kulai, Johor, on January 14th.
As Malaysia continues to manage its fuel subsidy programs, will increased enforcement be implemented to prevent similar incidents from occurring?
