Why can't subsidise gas if we're 5th largest exporter
Why can't Malaysia subsidise gas for small traders if the country is the fifth-largest exporter of liquefied natural gas (LNG), asked MCA president Wee Ka Siong.
Citing a report from the International Gas Union last year, he said Malaysia had exported approximately seven percent of the LNG in the world in 2023.
'Great in the eyes of the world, but...
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The Star
13 hours ago
- The Star
Govt must clearly state if small traders can use subsidised LPG, says Dr Wee
YONG PENG: The government should clearly state if hawkers and small traders are allowed to use subsidised liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), says Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong. "If the government intends to allow them (hawkers and small traders) to use the (subsidised LPG), then it should be put in black and white," the MCA president said after officiating the Ayer Hitam MCA annual general meeting here on Sunday (June 1). Dr Wee, who is also Ayer Hitam MP, said there was no enforcement done on the ruling that requires a permit for the use of more than three 14kg cylinders at one time, although it was introduced during his time in Cabinet. "It is this government that is enforcing the rule and going after hawkers," he said. He said there has been widespread panic among hawkers nationwide following a Petronas directive dated April 30, which instructed gas distributors to stop selling subsidised LPG (12kg and 14kg cylinders) to all commercial premises, including food stalls. "This directive has caused confusion, anxiety and panic among small traders and hawkers. "Aside from social media, many hawkers have also approached me to voice their grouses," he said. He said many hawkers have more than three gas cylinders on standby as it would take time and extra costs to order more if they run out. As of May 1, eateries including hawkers are required to use 14kg commercial gas cylinders priced at RM70 each. The ministry also launched Ops Gasak to combat any misuse of subsidised LPG. On May 23, Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali, said LPG subsidies have cost the government RM3.4bil and said premises using more than 42kg LPG (which amounts to three 14kg cylinders) must apply for a permit under the Control of Supplies (Amendment) Act 2021.
Malaysiakini
17 hours ago
- Malaysiakini
Gas war: Minister tells Wee to do his homework, Wee hits back
MCA president Wee Ka Siong should review the regulations enforced during his time in the cabinet before making public statements, said Domestic Trade and Living Costs Minister Armizan Mohd Ali. He clarified that there is no new policy or regulation, let alone any cutting or abolishment of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) subsidies under 'Ops Gasak'. Armizan said Ops Gasak is...
The Star
18 hours ago
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Stop the blame game, focus on Ops Gasak enforcement issue, Dr Wee tells ministry
JOHOR BARU: The Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry should focus on the real issue regarding the enforcement of Ops Gasak instead of blaming the previous government, says Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong. The MCA president said this in response to its Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali, who reportedly claimed that the law behind the enforcement, where eateries are required to use 14kg commercial liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinders, was passed when Dr Wee was in the Cabinet. 'The core issue is not about who passed the amendments to the Control of Supplies Regulations in 2021, but how it is being enforced today. 'Yes, the amendment in 2021 was passed while I was part of the Cabinet. "However, up until 2024, there were no large-scale enforcement operations like Ops Gasak that aggressively targeted night markets, stalls, small vendors and food hawkers as it has been done since May 2025,' he said in a statement on Sunday (June 1). Dr Wee added that even the previous Pakatan Harapan government had backtracked on its plan to enforce the law after considering its consequences. 'The Pakatan Harapan 1.0 government in 2019 also attempted to enforce the use of commercial liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) in restaurants and eateries, but they halted the move after realising the burden it placed on the public. 'The existence of a law does not mean enforcement must be harsh or sudden. "Many laws have existed for years, but enforcement is often carried out based on the government's discretion and necessity,' he said. Dr Wee cited the Stamp Act 1949 as an example of such a law, saying that while it has been in force for decades, widespread enforcement on employment agreement stamping only ramped up in 2025. 'Likewise, Ops Gasak, this large-scale enforcement is an administrative decision made by the Madani government in 2025, not a directive from the Cabinet when the 2021 amendment was passed,' he said. Dr Wee, who is also Ayer Hitam MP, said the enforcement burdens small traders at a time when the public is already under pressure. 'The Sales and Service Tax (SST) hike and the expansion of its scope will begin in June, electricity tariffs will increase in July, RON95 subsidies are being retargeted, and the minimum wage has increased to RM1,700. 'All these add to the operating costs of small traders, and Ops Gasak, which targets small traders using only 12kg and 14kg LPG cylinders, further worsens the pressure on the rakyat,' he said. He added that a PETRONAS directive, which quoted the Ministry many times, revealed the real impact of Ops Gasak on small traders. 'In a letter dated April 30, 2025, PETRONAS instructed all gas distributors to stop selling subsidised LPG (12kg and 14kg cylinders) to all commercial premises, including restaurants, food stalls and warung. 'This directive has directly caused confusion, anxiety and hardship to thousands of small traders who now fear enforcement action even though they have only ever used small cylinders. 'On the ground, we continue to see many videos and complaints of inspections on small traders, which contradict the narrative that only large industries are being targeted,' he said. Dr Wee added that Malaysians deserve to benefit from being among the largest gas producers in the world and that LPG subsidies are also not a major financial burden to the country. As of May 1, eateries, including hawker stalls, will be required to use the 14kg purple-coloured commercial gas cylinders priced at RM70.
