JOHOR BARU: Nine investigation papers have been opened up by the Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry on cases of foreign-registered vehicles pumping RON95 petrol in Johor.

       Its minister, Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi said that a total of 18 complaints have been received by the Ministry since the border reopened.

       "All of the complaints we have received so far are from Johor and we have already opened up nine investigation papers on the matters under the Control of Supplies Act.

       "At the moment, only petrol operators would be given fines if found allowing the foreign-registered vehicle to pump RON95 petrol.

       "We hope that those using foreign-registered vehicles are disciplined and not use the petrol that is not meant for them," he said, adding that there were no plans yet to fine the owners of the foreign-registered vehicles.

       He said this in a press conference after visiting a petrol station here at Jalan Lingkaran Dalam on Thursday (April 28).

       He also said that warnings and signs have been made available at petrol stations to inform the public of the ban of RON95 petrol for foreign-registered vehicles.

       As a high number of Singaporeans are expected to visit Johor during the Hari Raya Aidilfitri holidays soon, the minister also urged petrol station operators to help the authorities in monitoring foreign-registered vehicles.

       "We hope that they could also help us in monitoring the situation to avoid foreign vehicles from pumping RON95.

       "In the meantime, the ministry will also beef up their enforcement and continue monitoring the situation," he said.

       Starting from October 2020, all foreign-registered vehicles, including motorcycles are not allowed to buy RON95 in Malaysia.

       Petrol station owners found to have sold RON95 to foreigners could be investigated under the Control of Supplies Act where if found guilty, they could face a maximum fine of RM1mil or up to three years' jail or both.

       Second and subsequent offences by individuals carry a maximum fine of RM3mil or imprisonment not exceeding five years or both.

       Companies are liable to a fine of up to RM2mil for the first offence, and up to RM5mil for the second and subsequent offences.