Latest news with #ControlofSupplies(Amendment)Regulations2021
The Star
a day ago
- Business
- The Star
LPG subsidy to stay for small food businesses
SMALL-SCALE food and beverage traders will be allowed to continue using subsidised liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) even after proposed amendments to the Control of Supplies (Amendment) Regulations 2021, says Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali (pic). 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.
The Star
2 days ago
- Business
- The Star
LPG subsidies to continue for small food businesses, says Armizan
KUALA LUMPUR: Small-scale food and beverage traders will be allowed to continue using subsidised liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) even if their monthly usage exceeded 42kg, says Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali. The Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister said the Cabinet had instructed that amendments be made to the Control of Supplies (Amendment) Regulations 2021 to include this group access to subsidised LPG. Following this, Armizan said his ministry had engaged in discussions with 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 would 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 during Ministers' Question Time (MQT) in Parliament on Tuesday (Aug 12). Armizan was responding to an additional question from Datuk Siti Zailah Mohd Yusoff (PN-Rantau Panjang) 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 follows a plan that began on May 1 earlier this year, where eateries, including hawker stalls, were to be banned from using subsidised gas cylinders as part of Ops Gasak, which was an initiative to curb the misuse of subsidised LPG. But then Armizan announced on June 5, that these traders would be exempt from LPG enforcement until Oct 31 later this year. Currently, the Control of Supplies Regulations (Amendment) 2021 limits the ownership and use of subsidised LPG exceeding 42kg at any one time without a scheduled controlled goods permit, since it came into effect on Oct 15, 2021.
The Sun
2 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
LPG subsidies extended for small food businesses exceeding 42kg limit
KUALA LUMPUR: The government will maintain subsidised liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) access for micro and small food and beverage businesses even if their monthly usage surpasses 42 kilogrammes. Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali confirmed the Cabinet's June 5 directive to amend the Control of Supplies (Amendment) Regulations 2021 to formalise this exemption. Speaking in the Dewan Rakyat, Armizan assured small traders and hawkers would not face additional burdens as subsidies remain intact. He addressed concerns raised by Datuk Siti Zailah Mohd Yusoff (PN-Rantau Panjang) regarding LPG price hikes affecting rural traders. Stakeholder engagement sessions will run until Oct 31 to refine the proposed regulatory amendments. A control mechanism will also be implemented to curb subsidised gas misuse, including unauthorised commercial diversions. - Bernama
New Straits Times
2 days ago
- Politics
- New Straits Times
MCA at a crossroads over future in Barisan Nasional
KUALA LUMPUR: MCA finds itself at a crossroads as calls grow among the party grassroots for a reevaluation of its position in Barisan Nasional. With limited involvement in policymaking, the party is now navigating concerns over BN's direction, especially in light of Umno's growing ties with DAP. MCA deputy president Datuk Dr Mah Hang Soon discusses the party's lack of influence in the unity government, future strategies and the challenges it faces ahead of the 16th General Election. Q: As a BN component party, what role does MCA play in the unity government? A: While MCA is not directly involved in policymaking, the party still serves as the voice of the people and that is exactly what a political party is meant to do. Our role is to ensure policies proposed by the government are carefully evaluated to ensure they truly benefit the people. When there are flaws in policies, it is our duty to bring them to the attention of the executive and the government to prevent negative impact on livelihoods. That is what MCA has been doing. Our president, Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong, and other leaders have consistently spoken out. We have made sure our voices are heard. In some cases, we influenced the government to reverse or review policies. Q: As MCA isn't directly involved in policymaking, how do you view the party's influence in the unity government? A: Remember the Education Ministry's abrupt decision to revise the matriculation entry requirements? The change excluded students who scored an "A-" in their Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia results from being considered, accepting only those with "A+" and "A" grades, despite the government previously announcing otherwise. After pressure from us and others, the decision was reversed. The same goes for the issue of subsidised liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) for food operators, which MCA also highlighted. The cabinet agreed to allow food operators to continue using subsidised LPG cylinders without a Scheduled Controlled Goods Permit until October, pending amendments to the Control of Supplies (Amendment) Regulations 2021. This is our contribution. Even though we are not directly involved in policymaking, we strive to ensure policies are fair and accepted by the people. Inadequacies must be corrected and that's the point of being a political party — to speak up for the people. Q: There have been increasing calls for MCA to clarify its position in BN. How does the party respond to this? A: MCA has been part of BN for decades. We have stood by our partners through challenges and have consistently played a loyal and constructive role in the coalition. Over the years, we have worked closely and effectively with component parties and MCA's role has been well received by Malaysia's multi-racial communities. This is not a trivial matter. Any decision on our position must be carefully considered in the best interest of the party and the people we represent. Q: Looking ahead, what is MCA's strategic direction? Will MCA stay in BN? Is it open to exploring new political alignments in response to the changing political landscape? A: I know you won't let me go without addressing this matter. There is growing resistance among the grassroots over what they perceive as increasingly close ties between Umno and DAP. This raises concerns about MCA's current direction and its role in BN. Although MCA has long been a key partner of Umno in BN, alongside MIC, I have to admit that recent political developments have caused a noticeable shift in sentiment at the grassroots level. As someone who engages closely with the grassroots, I can strongly feel that many are not fully on board with the idea of Umno and DAP working together. In Perak, a majority of MCA divisions have expressed reservations about working with DAP. A recent visit by 30 DAP members of parliament to Umno's headquarters at Menara Dato Onn, an initiative within their rights, was met with mixed reactions, mostly dissatisfaction among MCA grassroots, as well as some within DAP and Umno. Q: Considering Umno's close ties with DAP, is MCA still committed to staying in BN? A: If Umno chooses to collaborate with DAP, a question arises: where does that leave MCA, especially when grassroots sentiment is against such cooperation? These views cannot be ignored. Considering all the scenarios involving Umno and DAP, I want to make it clear that we, like Umno, have the right to explore the possibility of collaborating with anyone. That's what being a political party is about, right? Just as Umno can decide to work with DAP, can we stop them? The same principle applies to us. Q: What are MCA's concerns heading into the 16th General Election, particularly regarding seat allocations? A: There is growing concern that if the approach continues, where incumbents are prioritised, MCA may be left with limited representation, just two parliamentary and seven state seats, which we have now. In the last six state elections, the lack of seat allocations for MCA caused considerable dissatisfaction among members. We put in a lot of preparation, but no extra seats were given. Understandably, this led to disappointment, with some questioning how many seats we will contest in the coming general election.
![[UPDATED] Fuziah: Op Gasak had 'communication issue'](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.nst.com.my%2Fimages%2Farticles%2Fgasakki_1749574538.jpg&w=3840&q=100)
New Straits Times
10-06-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
[UPDATED] Fuziah: Op Gasak had 'communication issue'
KUALA LUMPUR: Op Gasak was intended to target activities involving the decanting of subsidised liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) into non-subsidised containers. Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Deputy Minister Fuziah Salleh said the enforcement, however, was not communicated effectively. "Targeting decanting was the initial move, where subsidised LPG was transferred into non-subsidised containers. "But somehow, there was a communication issue," she told reporters after the BBC's World Questions debate held in Petaling Jaya tonight where she was among four panellists. Fuziah said that the government is now collecting data and engaging with multiple stakeholders before bringing feedback to the Cabinet in order to make amendments to the Control of Supplies (Amendment) Regulations 2021. "This would allow the micro businesses to have more than three canisters of LPG gas cylinders. "Before this it was three and you would have to have a special permit to have more than that. "Now that rule no longer applies (to micro businesses)." Fuziah was responding to criticism that the Op Gasak campaign was poorly communicated and rushed. She said that this is why the Cabinet, in light of the feedback received, agreed to allow micro and small-scale food and retail businesses to continue using LPG cylinders without a Scheduled Controlled Goods Permit (PBKB) until October. Op Gasak, which runs from May 1 to Oct 31, aims to curb illegal activities such as gas decanting (transferring gas from subsidised to non-subsidised cylinders), smuggling, and the misuse of subsidised LPG by medium and large-scale industrial sectors.
