SME group: KPDN failed to consult us on Op Gasak [WATCH]

New Straits Times

06-06-2025

KUALA LUMPUR: Small and medium enterprise (SME) associations should be involved in industry policymaking from the outset, rather than only being consulted after decisions are made.
SME Association of Malaysia president Dr Chin Chee Seong cited a recent policy briefing by the Employees Provident Fund (EPF) as a positive example, where associations were invited to provide early feedback before any policy changes were finalised.
"That kind of engagement is good for both sides," he told the NST's Beyond the Headlines.
"We want to be involved from day one—before policies are drafted or approved—so we can help shape regulations that are fair and practical for small businesses. It becomes much harder to make changes once a policy is already in place."
However, he said this level of engagement was lacking from the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry (KPDN), particularly in the context of enforcement operations such as Op Gasak.
"Other ministries are more proactive. We work closely with Miti (Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry), Matrade (Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation), the Digital Ministry, Communications Ministry—even LHDN (Inland Revenue Board) and Customs. They engage SMEs regularly, maybe because their portfolios are more business-focused," Chin said.
"But with KPDN, not so much. I've even written to them requesting a meeting, but there's been no response. Maybe they feel it's not part of their KPI. But they should engage us—many of our members deal directly with consumers, and we can provide important feedback."
Op Gasak, which runs from May 1 to Oct 31, aims to curb illegal activities such as gas decanting (transferring LPG from subsidised to non-subsidised cylinders), smuggling, and the misuse of subsidised LPG by medium and large-scale businesses.
Under the operation, eateries, including hawker stalls, are required to use the 14kg purple-coloured commercial gas cylinders priced at RM70.
On Thursday, however, the government announced that micro and small-scale food and retail businesses may continue using subsidised liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinders without a Scheduled Controlled Goods Permit (PBKB) until October.
Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali said the exemption would remain in effect throughout the Op Gasak enforcement period and until amendments to the Control of Supplies (Amendment) Regulations 2021 are finalised.
On Thursday, however, the government announced that micro and small-scale food and retail businesses may continue using subsidised liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinders without a Scheduled Controlled Goods Permit (PBKB) until October.
Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali said the exemption would remain in effect throughout the Op Gasak enforcement period and until amendments to the Control of Supplies (Amendment) Regulations 2021 are finalised.