Latest news with #LauraHartiniMaurice
Borneo Post
4 days ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
Petrol station operators seek meeting with Sarawak Metro over KUTS project disruptions
Petrol station dealers along the KUTS project route in Kuching and Samarahan are experiencing constant disruptions due to ongoing works being carried out directly in front of station entry and exit points. KUCHING (Aug 12): The Sarawak Petroleum Product Agents' Association is seeking a meeting with Sarawak Metro to address safety concerns and business disruptions affecting petrol stations along the Kuching Urban Transport System (KUTS) project route in Kuching and Samarahan. The association's chairman, Laura Hartini Maurice said works carried out directly in front of station entry and exit points have caused constant disruption, with some stations forced to close for several hours. 'While we support the development of the project, the lack of advance notice to station management has prevented us from taking essential safety measures such as traffic control, alternative access arrangements, and rescheduling fuel deliveries,' she said in a statement today. According to her, without these precautions, customers face unnecessary inconvenience accessing stations, leading to service interruptions and significant business losses. The association hopes the proposed meeting will result in a coordination plan that prioritises safety, reduces public inconvenience, and ensures minimal disruption to station operations. The discussion would also cover identifying suitable times for works to be carried out to avoid peak-hour congestion. 'Petrol station dealers remain committed to ensuring the safety of the public, our staff, and all road users, and we urge for better communication and cooperation moving forward,' she added.
Borneo Post
01-08-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Association: Everyone should report RON95 misuse, not just post on social media
Laura said SPPAA members have taken proactive steps to ensure compliance with regulations, including the use of visible pump stickers, warning signage, and trained staff at stations across the state. KUCHING (Aug 1): The Sarawak Petroleum Product Agents' Association (SPPAA) has called for shared responsibility among fuel retailers, enforcement authorities, and the public to safeguard subsidised RON95 petrol and prevent misuse, particularly by foreign-registered vehicles. President Laura Hartini Maurice said SPPAA members have taken proactive steps to ensure compliance with regulations, including the use of visible pump stickers, warning signage, and trained staff at stations across the state. 'We understand public concern about ensuring subsidies reach the right people. Our members are already committed to compliance and work closely with authorities to uphold regulations,' she said in a press release. However, she pointed out that some viral social media posts showing alleged fuel subsidy violations may lack full context and could give the wrong impression that station operators or enforcement officers are not taking action. While acknowledging social media's role in raising awareness, she urged the public to alert station staff or contact the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) when witnessing suspected violations. 'Simply filming and posting videos online often does not resolve the situation and may create unnecessary public misunderstanding,' she said. SPPAA noted that self-service and cashless payment settings pose practical challenges, as foreign vehicles can refuel without interacting with station staff. Nevertheless, its member stations remain committed to upholding compliance measures and welcome enforcement support from authorities. 'Everyone can do their part – retailers by implementing compliance, authorities by enforcing fairly, and the public by reporting responsibly rather than just filming. Together we can protect fuel subsidies, maintain public confidence, and ensure fair treatment for all,' she added. SPPAA also reaffirmed its full support for KPDN's enforcement efforts and called for continued collaboration between retailers, authorities, and the public to maintain transparency and public trust. Last month, KPDN launched an investigation following a viral complaint about a foreign-registered vehicle purchasing subsidised RON95 petrol at a petrol station here. KPDN Sarawak director Matthew Dominic Barin said the case is being investigated under Regulation 12A of the Control of Supplies Regulations 1974 as well as the Control of Supplies Act 1961, in relation to the directive by the Controller of Supplies prohibiting the sale of RON95 petrol to foreign-registered vehicles. Related story: KPDN probes viral post of RON95 sale to foreign vehicle in Kuching
Borneo Post
26-07-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
SPPAA urges delay of fuel subsidy schemes in Sarawak
Laura says Sarawak's unique operating environment, particularly in rural areas, requires more preparation in terms of logistical, financial and digital systems before the schemes can be effectively rolled out. – Bernama photo KUCHING (July 27): The Sarawak Petroleum Product Agents Association (SPPAA) has urged both the federal and state governments to defer the implementation of the Subsidised Diesel Control System 2.0 (SKDS 2.0) and the targeted petrol subsidy scheme (SKPS) in Sarawak until operational readiness is fully ensured. In a statement yesterday, SPPAA chairperson Laura Hartini Maurice said Sarawak's unique operating environment, particularly in rural areas, requires more preparation in terms of logistical, financial and digital systems before the schemes can be effectively rolled out. 'Our association fully supports the government's goal of ensuring subsidies reach the right groups. However, we urge that the implementation of these new schemes in Sarawak take into account the operational and financial readiness of stations, particularly those in rural and small-volume areas,' she said. She also called on both federal and Sarawak governments to engage with SPPAA for structured consultations to address cash flow support, system readiness, and administrative complexity. 'SPPAA also encourages exploring state-supported financial facilities to help ease potential financial pressure on dealers during the transition period,' she added. The statement was issued in response to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's announcement on Wednesday that the government would reduce the price of RON95 petrol to RM1.99 per litre under a targeted subsidy scheme expected by year-end. Under the new targeted subsidy framework, RON95 petrol would be capped at RM1.99 per litre for eligible Malaysians registered under SKPS, along with enhancements to the SKDS programme. According to Laura, both SKPS and SKDS 2.0 have not yet been implemented in Sarawak. She said the rollout of these new systems in Sarawak would pose significant operational challenges, as dealers must purchase fuel at market-linked prices and await reimbursement for the subsidised portion. 'This could strain cash flow, especially for small operators,' she said, adding that rural and low-volume stations face the greatest challenges. She explained that the implementation of a two-tier pricing system for diesel and petrol would require government-approved eligibility verification systems, upgrades to point-of-sale equipment, and staff training. Additionally, the shift towards more cashless transactions would incur Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) charges, further reducing profit margins. To mitigate this, SPPAA encouraged the adoption of digital payment systems with low or zero merchant fees to help sustain operations, especially in smaller or more remote stations. While the recent revision of the Automatic Pricing Mechanism (APM) margin for diesel has offered some relief, she pointed out that no similar revision had been announced for petrol. 'Implementing SKPS without an updated petrol margin could further erode financial sustainability for dealers, especially when combined with cash flow and system readiness challenges,' she said. lead SPPAA Subsidised Diesel Control System targeted petrol subsidy scheme
