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Quick Summary
New RON95 enforcement rules take effect April 1
Both petrol station operators and buyers can be charged for illegal use
Foreign-registered vehicles banned from purchasing RON95
Industry players back tougher, more balanced enforcement
What’s Changing on April 1
The government will expand enforcement powers under the Control of Supplies Act to curb abuse of subsidised RON95 petrol, allowing action against both sellers and buyers involved in illegal transactions.
Previously, enforcement focused mainly on petrol station operators. The updated guideline now includes:
Owners and users of foreign-registered vehicles
Individuals attempting to misrepresent vehicles or conceal number plates
Government: Fair and Balanced Approach
Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Armizan Mohd Ali said the new rules are designed to plug subsidy leakages while ensuring fairness.
Key point:
Foreign-registered vehicles are strictly prohibited from buying RON95, and both parties in any illegal sale can face enforcement action.
Petrol Dealers Support the Move
The Malaysian Petrol Dealers Association (PDAM) welcomed the update, calling it a more equitable enforcement framework.
PDAM president Datuk Khairul Annuar Abdul Aziz said:
Action against operators who knowingly sell RON95 illegally is justified
Buyers who attempt to cheat — including plate tampering or false declarations — should also face penalties
Punishment should be proportionate to the severity of the offence
Tech-Based Enforcement Encouraged
PDAM also endorsed technology-driven solutions, including:
Vehicle recognition systems to detect foreign-registered vehicles
Automatic restrictions limiting them to RON97 purchases only
Authorities are encouraged to focus enforcement efforts on:
Large-scale leakages
Organised fuel smuggling syndicates
Targeted Subsidies the End Goal
The Kementerian Perdagangan Dalam Negeri dan Kos Sara Hidup (KPDN) said the changes align with the government’s move toward targeted subsidies, including:
MyKad-linked mechanisms to ensure only eligible Malaysians access RON95
KPDN is coordinating with:
Police
Customs
Border enforcement agencies
to strengthen nationwide monitoring.
Bottom Line
RON95 abuse is no longer just a seller’s problem.
From April 1, buyers and sellers alike will be accountable, marking a firmer and more targeted approach to protecting fuel subsidies meant for Malaysians.
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