Latest news with #SarawakPetroleumProductAgents'Association


Borneo Post
7 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