Driver of S’pore car allegedly caught using subsidised fuel in M’sia as enforcement deadline looms
The driver of a Singapore-registered car has allegedly been caught pumping subsidised Ron95 fuel – reserved for Malaysia-registered cars – just days before a new law that penalises such acts.
The Singapore-registered Hyundai Tucson – which appears to have a private-hire label on its rear windscreen – is seen with the yellow Ron95 pump nozzle attached. The incident took place at an unspecified Shell station, at an unknown time.
In the picture, a man clad in black, presumably the driver, stands next to the vehicle with one hand holding the pump nozzle.
Subsidised Ron95 petrol is priced at RM1.99 (S$0.64) per litre and is strictly reserved for Malaysia-registered cars. Singaporeans are allowed to use Ron97 – currently priced at RM5.15 per litre – or higher grades of fuel.
The image was shared on the public Facebook group Complaint Singapore, where it garnered over 140 reactions and 140 comments.
From April 1, drivers of foreign vehicles caught using subsidised fuel in Malaysia could be penalised. Previously, only the petrol station was liable for allowing foreign-registered vehicles to use subsidised Ron95 fuel.
In early February, the driver of a Singapore-registered car was also caught pumping Ron95 at a Caltex petrol kiosk in Johor Bahru. He remained defiant after getting called out online, claiming he would “continue until April”.
Netizens slam alleged driver
Netizens reacting to the post pointed out that the driver was not committing any offence as it wasn’t April yet.
“April (is) not yet here. Not an offence. Petrol station’s fault,” declared a Facebook user.
“There are no laws towards buyers currently. Only towards the petrol station owner. Action can only be taken against buyers from April 1 onwards,” another claimed.
“Something I always wonder – if you can afford a car in SG, why cannot afford to pump petrol in SG?” asked a netizen. One commenter explained: “It’s not about affordability but stretching the dollar.” Another commented: “Want to show can afford car la... show only but actually money no enough.”
“Every day sure got Singaporeans pump Ron95 at JB, especially now during wartime oil crisis,” one commenter said, alluding to the high cost of fuel in Singapore.
Despite the fuel price hikes, netizens were unimpressed with the driver.
“DISGRACE TO SINGAPORE. GOT MONEY TO BUY A CAR BUT NO MOlamNEY TO PUMP PETROL. CROSS BORDER TO STEAL CHEAP PETROL,” one lambasted.
Not everyone was so strident, though. “Just mind our own business,” said one Facebook user.
Meanwhile, Malaysia’s Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali shared a Facebook post on “reminding all parties, whether petrol station operators or foreign vehicle users, to comply with this ban”.
He also encouraged members of the public to serve as the authorities’ “eyes and ears” – by reporting such abuse.
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