Industry association urges permanent LPG permit exemption for small businesses
"We hope the amendments to the Control of Supplies Regulations 2021 will recognise the unique needs of micro and small enterprises and introduce a permanent exemption for those in essential sectors like food and retail.
"At the very least, a simplified, tiered or digital-friendly permit process should be introduced," said its president Datuk William Ng today.
Samenta welcomed the cabinet's move to exempt micro and small-scale businesses, describing it as a timely and much-needed relief for businesses grappling with rising operational costs and declining consumer spending.
"Many of these businesses operate on thin margins, and the ability to continue accessing subsidised LPG without the added administrative burden of obtaining a PBKB helps ease pressure on both cost and compliance," Ng said.
However, the group cautioned that reinstating the permit requirement in full could harm informal and micro businesses, which may struggle with the administrative process, including documentation and digital access.
"It could also unintentionally drive some of them out of the formal supply chain or into non-compliance, creating enforcement challenges and disrupting livelihoods," he said.
Ng also called on the government to strengthen engagement with industry bodies ahead of future policy changes.
"We urge the government to ensure that future regulations consider the realities faced by smaller businesses, and to enhance consultation with industry groups like Samenta before implementation," he added.
Earlier today, Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali said the Cabinet had agreed that micro and small-scale food and retail businesses may continue using subsidised LPG cylinders without a PBKB until October.
Armizan said that the exemption would remain in effect throughout the Ops Gasak enforcement period and until amendments to the Control of Supplies (Amendment) Regulations 2021 are finalised.
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