Delay use of commercial LPG, burdens small traders

Sinar Daily

2 days ago

Rosol also stressed that any subsidy restructuring must be carried out cautiously, with clear communication and appropriate support incentives.
The government is urged to postpone the mandatory use of 14-kilogramme commercial LPG cylinders for small traders. Inset: Rosol – Stock photo
KUALA LUMPUR – The government has been urged to postpone the mandatory implementation of the use of 14-kilogramme commercial liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinders for small traders, which took effect on May 1.
Hulu Terengganu Member of Parliament Datuk Rosol Wahid said the move not only caused operational costs to surge by up to threefold but also put pressure on small traders already struggling to stay afloat.
'Many food business owners have complained to me that they previously spent around RM2,600 a month on gas, but now they are forced to bear costs reaching RM7,000 after being directed to use commercial LPG,' he said in a statement on Thursday.
The former Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs (KPDN) deputy minister said the situation worsened as many traders became targets of Op Gasak over the past three weeks, with some fined and their gas cylinders confiscated by the authorities.
'I sympathise with the plight of small traders who are not only burdened by the high cost of living but are now facing pressure from a hastily implemented policy by the Madani government,' he said.
Rosol also stressed that any subsidy restructuring must be carried out cautiously, with clear communication and appropriate support incentives.
'The chain reaction from this cost increase will ultimately be borne by consumers. Don't be unjust to the people,' he added.
Therefore, he urged the government to postpone the implementation until a targeted aid plan and suitable support measures are introduced for small traders.
'At the very least, the government must have a dedicated plan to ease the cost burden so that end users do not have to bear the sudden impact,' he said.