LPG subsidy to stay for small food businesses
The Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister said the Cabinet had instructed him to amend the planned amendments to allow small-scale food and beverage businesses access to subsidised LPG even if their usage exceeded 42kg.
To this end, Armizan said his ministry has engaged in discussions with potentially affected stakeholders for their views and suggestions for the planned amendment until Oct 31.
'We welcome any suggestions from any stakeholders on how to make amendments that will provide recognition for these businesses.
'However, control mechanisms will still be enforced to prevent leakages caused by recent decanting cases.
'We hope to continue providing LPG subsidies for domestic, and micro and small traders in the food and beverage sector,' he said.
Armizan was responding to Datuk Siti Zailah Mohd Yusoff's (PN-Rantau Panjang) question on whether the ministry had conducted a study on the possible financial effect that higher-priced commercial-grade LPG cylinders have had on small traders.
This came after all eateries were supposed to have been barred from using household subsidised gas cylinders starting May 1 this year as part of Ops Gasak to curb illegal misappropriation LPG activities.
However, Armizan announced on June 5 that these traders would be exempt from LPG enforcement until Oct 31 this year.
Currently, the Control of Supplies Regulations (Amendment) 2021 limits the ownership and use of subsidised LPG tanks exceeding 42kg at any one time without a scheduled controlled goods permit, since it came into effect on Oct 15, 2021.
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