JOHOR BARU: Eighteen complaints have been received by the Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry on the alleged misappropriation of RON95 subsidised petrol in Johor involving foreign-registered vehicles.

       “We are investigating the complaints. So far, nine investigation papers have been opened up under the Control of Supplies Act,” said minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi.

       At present, he said that only petrol station operators would be given fines if they were found to have allowed foreign-registered vehicle to pump RON95 petrol.

       There have yet to be plans to fine the owner of such vehicles, he told a press conference after visiting a petrol station here yesterday.

       Nanta said that signs had been put up at petrol stations to inform the public of the ban on RON95 petrol for foreign-registered vehicles.

       “We hope that those using foreign-registered vehicles will be disciplined and not use petrol that is not meant for them,” he said, noting that there had yet to be similar complaints coming from other states.

       In view of the high number of Singaporeans expected to visit Johor during the Hari Raya break, Nanta urged petrol station operators to help the authorities monitor the situation.

       “In the meantime, the ministry will beef up its enforcement,” he said.

       On a separate matter, Nanta said that the implementation of the Festive Season Maximum Price Scheme for Hari Raya has been extended until May 10.

       It was initially meant for implementation until May 6 only.

       “However, after receiving feedback from the public, we have decided to extend it for four more days, which is until May 10,” he said.

       He noted that the decision was made during the National Action Council on Cost of Living meeting chaired by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob last week.

       The Festive Season Maximum Price Scheme for Hari Raya, which was implemented on April 26, lists 22 items in four categories placed under price control.