Traders may use subsidised LPG until regulation amendments finalised
PUTRAJAYA: Micro and small-scale traders in the food and beverage sector may continue using subsidised liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinders without a special permit until the amendments to the Control of Supplies Regulations (PPKB) 2021 are finalised this October.
Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali said no legal action will be taken against this group of traders during the transition period.
'Small and micro food and beverage traders will be allowed to obtain supplies of subsidised LPG cylinders without the need for a scheduled controlled goods permit,' he told a press conference here.
He said the Cabinet, in its meeting today, agreed to the ministry's proposal to amend the regulations, which initially came into effect on Oct 15, 2021, under the previous administration.
Armizan added that the amendments would, among others, take into account the specific needs of micro and small-scale food and beverage traders, while also ensuring legal clarity in terms of compliance and enforcement.
Armizan said the ministry aims to finalise the amendments once Op Gasak concludes on Oct 31.
He added that enforcement against leakages involving illegal decanting activities and misuse by industrial users under Op Gasak would continue.
'The Op Gasak report will serve as a basis for us to determine the way forward in ensuring we have suitable legal provisions that are clear and take into account the needs of those providing services to the public, especially food and beverage businesses,' he said.
He added that the amendment process will be coordinated through a technical committee established on May 1, chaired by the ministry's secretary-general, and involving relevant ministries and agencies.
'In addition to government representatives, we are also engaging a range of stakeholders. In fact, I will be holding an engagement session with 10 food and beverage business associations tomorrow.
'We welcome any proposals to ensure that these amendments are truly practical and beneficial for the intended target groups,' he said.
The Control of Supplies Regulations (Amendment) 2021 limits the ownership and use of subsidised LPG exceeding 42 kilogrammes at any one time without a scheduled controlled goods permit.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Malaysian Reserve
5 hours ago
- Malaysian Reserve
Review of e-commerce laws to be completed by August
THE review of e-commerce legislation, which began in April last year to develop a more responsive legal framework for regulating the industry and protecting consumer interests, is expected to be completed by August. Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali (picture) said the review is now in its final phase before the recommendations are submitted to the Cabinet for approval and subsequently tabled in Parliament for the drafting or amendment of relevant laws. He said the key laws under the ministry's jurisdiction include the Consumer Protection Act 1999 and the Electronic Commerce Act 2006. 'Our aim is to finalise the review by the end of this year, including securing Cabinet approval on whether to introduce a new legal framework or amend existing laws to make them more conducive, comprehensive, and relevant to current challenges,' he told reporters after launching the Sabah-level 2025 Business Digitalisation Programme at Universiti Malaysia Sabah today. Armizan added that the review also seeks to identify gaps in existing legislation, assess regulatory scope, and benchmark Malaysia's e-commerce laws against international practices He said the review also considers issues and needs of both the industry and consumers, and will propose new legislation or amendments along with the most effective regulatory approach for Malaysia's e-commerce landscape. 'At present, there is no direct regulation of platform operators or sellers in the e-commerce space. No decision has been made yet on whether to introduce a licensing regime or adopt a compliance-based approach. 'Our objective is not merely to establish a legal framework, but to create a regulatory mechanism that supports the growth of businesses using e-commerce platforms. We do not want future legislation to become a hindrance to the sector's potential,' he said. Armizan also announced that a townhall session with industry players will be held on July 17 to gather feedback and input on the proposed regulatory framework. He said several engagement sessions have already taken place, involving 63 entities from the public and private sectors, as well as industry representatives, in addition to surveys with e-commerce firms and users. 'All feedback obtained from these engagements and the review process will be thoroughly analysed and consolidated into comprehensive policy recommendations,' he said. Armizan noted that the e-commerce sector is projected to generate RM1.65 trillion in revenue this year. — BERNAMA
Borneo Post
5 hours ago
- Borneo Post
SIS did not use ‘Islam' in company registration, says minister
Armizan (third right) presenting an SSM CSR contribution to one of the recipients. KOTA KINABALU (June 21): A check has confirmed that women's rights group Sisters in Islam (SIS) did not use the word 'Islam' in its official company registration, said Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali. Armizan said the organisation was registered in 1993 as a Company Limited by Guarantee (CLBG) under the name SIS Forum (Malaysia) in accordance with the Companies Act 2016. He explained that under the Act, the word 'Islam' is considered a controlled term. Any company wishing to use it must seek clearance from the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (Jakim). 'From Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry's jurisdiction, specifically through the Companies Commission of Malaysia (SSM), the registered name was SIS Forum (Malaysia) and did not include the word 'Islam'. Therefore, we did not refer the matter to Jakim,' he said at a press conference after launching the Sabah-level 2025 Digital Business Programme at Universiti Malaysia Sabah on Saturday. Armizan also disclosed that a total of 77,546 companies have been incorporated and 1,676 Limited Liability Partnerships (LLPs) registered across Sabah to date. He said the figures were based on Companies Commission of Malaysia (SSM) statistics as of May 31 this year. 'This total does not include companies registered under the state's own legal framework, namely the Trade Licencing Ordinance 1948. Of the overall total, 31,110 companies and 1,510 LLPs are currently active. 'In Kota Kinabalu alone, 39,525 companies have been incorporated and 1,118 LLPs registered during the same period, of which 15,331 companies and 1,003 LLPs are active,' he said. He said PPP25 is a new initiative by SSM aimed at supporting the business development agenda for B40 entrepreneurs and aspiring business owners through digitalisation. 'The main focus is to provide participants with exposure to the benefits and importance of digitalisation in expanding markets, enhancing productivity, and improving product quality. 'The use of digital technology such as media and e-commerce platforms not only increases operational efficiency but also opens up wider market access, both locally and internationally,' he added. The Sabah programme marks the first of three PPP25 series planned for this year, with the remaining two to be held in Penang and Terengganu. During the event, SSM also presented Corporate Zakat Wakalah (WZK) contributions worth RM107,518 and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) donations totaling RM45,000 to underprivileged recipients.
Borneo Post
5 hours ago
- Borneo Post
E-commerce law review to tackle online consumer complaints, strengthen regulation
Armizan (centre) speaking at the press conference. KOTA KINABALU (June 21): The Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry (KPDN) is currently reviewing the Electronic Commerce Act 2006 to ensure it remains relevant and effective in addressing modern challenges in the digital marketplace. Its minister, Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali, said a study is underway and expected to conclude by August, after which the ministry will propose whether to introduce a new legal framework or amend the existing Act. He highlighted that the ministry received over 10,000 consumer complaints last year related to e-commerce transactions, particularly concerning fake or misleading products. 'At present, there are no direct regulations for e-commerce operators or sellers, especially those not registered or based in Malaysia,' he said. 'Among the suggestions received are to implement a licensing regime or set compliance standards for these platforms.' To gather further input, Armizan will host a Town Hall session on July 17 involving key stakeholders. Any proposed legislative changes will then be presented to the Cabinet, with a final decision expected by year-end. Speaking after officiating the Sabah-level 2025 Digital Business Programme at Universiti Malaysia Sabah on Saturday, Armizan clarified that the ministry's goal is to support — not burden — the industry. Citing data from the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM), he said the e-commerce sector contributed RM248.4 billion or 13.6 percent to the national GDP. Earnings from the sector also rose by six percent, from RM1.07 trillion in 2021 to RM1.09 trillion. He emphasised the importance of a clear and comprehensive legal framework that benefits all parties — consumers, sellers, platform operators and enforcement agencies. 'Many local entrepreneurs depend on e-commerce platforms. A well-defined legal structure will help protect and empower them while allowing for effective enforcement,' he added.
