Govt amending law to allow micro F&B traders to use subsidised LPG
Armizan said the ministry was holding engagement sessions until Oct 31 to obtain recommendations, views, and memoranda from any party regarding the proposed amendments.
"I welcome suggestions on how to draft amendments that would provide such recognition.
"At the same time, control mechanisms will be put in place to prevent leakages, as there have been decanting cases involving certain parties manipulating subsidies in the food and beverage sector.
"God willing, we will continue providing LPG subsidies, in addition to domestic use, for micro and small traders in the food and beverage sector," he said during the question-and-answer session in the Dewan Rakyat today.
He said this in response to a supplementary question from Datuk Siti Zailah Mohd Yusoff (PN–Rantau Panjang), who asked whether the ministry had conducted a study on the use of purple gas cylinders, which are commercial-grade LPG cylinders, specifically for businesses and eateries.
Currently, the regulation restricts the ownership and use of subsidised LPG exceeding 42 kg at any one time without a permit.
This includes commercial users such as restaurants and food stalls, which are prohibited from using subsidised LPG.
Meanwhile, in response to Datuk Mohd Isam Mohd Isa (BN-Tampin) on measures to pursue legal action on LPG-related offences, Armizan said the primary focus of the Op Gasak enforcement campaign under the ministry aimed to address decanting activities and leakages, particularly in the industrial sector.
He also dismissed claims that enforcement of the 2021 regulations only began during the launch of Op Gasak, stressing that action had been taken since the rules came into force.
"As such, it is best for us to sit together, listen to the views of all stakeholders, and agree on the best way forward to create a control framework that will curb leakages and ensure subsidies meant for the people are used properly."
The ministry launched Op Gasak on May 1 this year to combat the misuse of subsidised LPG.
It was reported that 168 cases involving the misappropriation of LPG have been reported since the launch of Op Gasak in May, with seizures recorded amounting to RM5.2 million.
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