Latest news with #OpsGasak
The Star
a day ago
- Business
- The Star
Fuziah: Gas tank ops to collect data, not to penalise
JOHOR BARU: No enforcement action will be taken under Ops Gasak against micro businesses such as self-service laundromats and small eateries until the end of the operation, says the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry. This follows confusion and concern among traders who rely on subsidised liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) in their operations. Deputy Minister Fuziah Salleh (pic) said the presence of enforcement officers at premises was solely to collect data and feedback, which will later be presented to the Cabinet as part of a review of the Supply Control Regulations (Amendment) 2021. 'I want to stress that no action will be taken against small food stalls, roadside traders or self-service laundromats until Ops Gasak concludes on Oct 31. 'When our enforcement team is on the ground, they are mainly there to gather data. Even stakeholder engagement sessions are part of our process to understand LPG usage and its implications for end users. 'The engagement session is valuable because it gives traders a chance to ask questions and raise concerns about licensing,' Fuziah said at a press conference after attending a meeting with Johor LPG industry stakeholders held at a hotel here yesterday. She said the reason Ops Gasak was enforced since May 1 was because subsidised LPG was being misused by some ineligible commercial sectors, particularly hotels. 'I personally visited hotel laundry areas where subsidised gas was used to wash towels and bedsheets. This is an example of leakage. 'We guarantee that enforcement will not be taken if subsidised LPG is used by micro traders until Oct 31. Once we complete the data collection, it will be tabled as recommendations for policy consideration,' Fuziah said. She added that the Cabinet had agreed to revisit the amendments to the Supply Control Regulations, but no final decision has been made. 'So again, I want to emphasise – no action will be taken against stalls, roadside traders or laundromats until Ops Gasak ends, and a clearer direction is determined,' she said. However, Fuziah reminded business owners that those storing more than three cylinders of subsidised LPG must still apply for a permit for safety reasons. Ops Gasak was launched on May 1 to tackle the misuse and diversion of subsidised LPG cylinders, especially involving medium- and large-scale industry players.
The Star
2 days ago
- Business
- The Star
No enforcement actions for micro businesses under Ops Gasak, assures Dr Fuziah
JOHOR BARU: The Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry has assured that no enforcement action will be taken under Ops Gasak against micro businesses, such as self-service laundromats and small eateries. Deputy Minister Dr Fuziah Salleh stated that the clarification was made in response to the confusion and concern expressed by small traders who depend on subsidised liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) for their operations. She said the presence of the ministry's enforcement officers on the premises was solely to collect data and feedback, which would later be presented to the Cabinet as part of a review of the Supply Control Regulations (Amendment) 2021. 'I want to stress that no action will be taken against small food stalls, roadside eateries or self-service laundromats until Ops Gasak concludes on Oct 31. 'When our enforcement team is on the ground, they are mainly there to gather data. Even stakeholder engagement sessions are part of our process to understand LPG usage and its implications for end users,' she added. She said this in a press conference after attending a meeting with Johor LPG industry stakeholders held at a hotel here on Thursday (June 19). Fuziah said the ministry has been carrying out Ops Gasak since May 1 because subsidised LPG has been misused by certain ineligible commercial sectors, particularly hotels. 'I personally visited hotel laundry areas where subsidised gas was used to wash towels and bedsheets. This is an example of leakage. 'We can guarantee that enforcement action will not be taken if micro traders use subsidised LPG until Oct 31. Once we complete data collection, it will be tabled as recommendations for policy consideration,' she said. She added that the Cabinet has agreed to revisit the amendments to the Supply Control Regulations, but no final decision has been made. Fuziah also reminded business owners that those storing more than three cylinders of subsidised LPG must apply for a permit for safety reasons. 'Previously, under the amended Act, permit holders were required to use non-subsidised gas. That is why a review is necessary,' she added. She said the ministry was now reviewing the system to ensure traders still apply for permits, but would not be forced to switch to unsubsidised gas. 'The engagement is valuable because it gave traders a chance to ask questions and raise concerns about licensing. These permits are vital to ensure safety and to prevent leakage of subsidised LPG in the commercial sector,' she said. Ops Gasak was launched on May 1 to tackle the misuse and diversion of subsidised LPG cylinders, particularly involving medium- and large-scale industry players. The operation also targets illegal decanting activities where subsidised LPG was transferred into commercial or non-subsidised cylinders for resale or smuggling purposes. Ops Gasak would run until Oct 31 under the Supply Control Regulations (Amendment) 2021, which came into force on Oct 15, 2021.
The Star
10-06-2025
- Business
- The Star
You can amend the regulations anytime as minister, Dr Wee tells Armizan
PETALING JAYA: Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali can exercise his ministerial powers according to his discretion to amend the Control of Supplies (Amendment) regulations 2021, says MCA President Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong. This was because under the Control of Supplies Act 1961, Armizan has the prerogative as minister to amend the Control of Supplies (Amendment) regulations 2021. 'As the Minister for nearly two years, why didn't you speak out from the beginning regarding this regulation? 'The regulation can be amended at any time by you. Instead, you chose to enforce Ops Gasak strictly, which created anger among hawkers and concerns among small-time traders and the public. 'And when the pressure came in from all sides, you took a u-turn, apparently the Cabinet agreed to give a few exemptions that will be announced later,' said Dr Wee in a video posted on Facebook on June 10 (Tuesday). Dr Wee also said the Control of Supplies (Amendment) regulations 2021 clearly stated that all shops must use commercial LPG gas cylinders beginning 2021, and traders were concerned whether or not they are allowed to use subsidised gas cylinders that cost much less. 'You can amend this regulation now, sign it and send it to the Attorney-General's Chambers (AGC) for the federal gazettal process,' he said. The war of words over subsidised liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) between Dr Wee and Armizan erupted recently when the latter accused the former of being involved in approving the controversial Control of Supplies (Amendment) regulations 2021 when he was the then transport minister in 2021. On June 8, Dr Wee had said that although he served as a Cabinet Minister in 2021, he had never been involved in approving such regulations. In response, Armizan said Dr Wee was referring to a different law, and in his press conference on June 5, he clearly stated that his ministry was enforcing Ops Gasak under the Control of Supplies (Amendment) regulations 2021 to combat the smuggling of subsidised LPG cylinders, among others. In refuting Armizan's accusations, Dr Wee said the Control of Supplies (Amendment) regulations 2021 had nothing to do with him, as it does not fall under the purview of the Transport Ministry. 'What has the Transport Ministry got to do with this? Unless you assume that all ministers should read and approve federal gazettes together. 'Then all the ministers should be blamed at that time,' said Dr Wee. Dr Wee said that Armizan had accused him of referring to the wrong law, although he quoted 2021 parliamentary Hansards, which showed that during debates on the Control of Supplies (Amendment) Act 2021, there was no mention about regulating subsidised LPG cylinders 'I have shown proof and now, the Minister should also show evidence through the Control of Supplies (Amendment) Regulations 2021, which clearly states that all restaurants must use commercial LPG and not subsidised LPG beginning 2021,' said Dr Wee. Dr Wee also said he was disappointed that Armizan did not reply to a May 31 text message from him enquiring about the issue. The Control of Supplies (Amendment) Regulations 2021, which came into force on Oct 15, 2021, limit the use of subsidised LPG to a maximum of 42kg at any one time for commercial purposes. Any shop exceeding this limit must obtain a permit and switch to non-subsidised LPG. On Thursday (June 5), Armizan said small and micro-scale F&B operators would be exempted from enforcement under the ongoing Ops Gasak Armizan stated that the Cabinet had agreed to review the regulations concerning the use of subsidised LPG cylinders by these traders, following recommendations submitted by the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry. Ops Gasak, which began on May 1 and ended on Oct 31, was aimed at curbing illegal activities such as decanting (transferring gas from subsidised LPG cylinders to non-subsidised ones), smuggling, and the misuse of subsidised LPG by medium and large-scale industrial sectors. Dr Wee had said that the Ops Gasak should have focused on large-scale operations and at the borders, rather than on petty traders and hawkers. The crux of the issue, said Dr Wee, was the smuggling activities at the borders and abuse of targeted subsidies.
The Star
09-06-2025
- Business
- The Star
Small food businesses need more clarity on new LPG rules, says Bung
KOTA KINABALU: A call has been made for the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry to adopt a more transparent and responsible approach in enforcing Ops Gasak. The concern, raised by Sabah Umno chief Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin ( pic ), centres particularly on the requirement for food premises to use commercial liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinders. Bung Moktar highlighted that the lack of clarity surrounding the operation had caused confusion and anxiety among small food operators, especially in Sabah. "The people of Sabah, particularly small traders in the food sector, are now anxious and uncertain over the ministry's move to make the use of commercial LPG mandatory for food premises. "This concern stems from a lack of clear and comprehensive information on the implementation of Ops Gasak, leading to misunderstandings and unease among small food businesses," he said in a statement on Monday (June 9). The Sabah Barisan Nasional chief also called for greater transparency from the ministry, stressing that any weaknesses or confusion in implementation should not be concealed but dealt with openly and responsibly. Urging the ministry to address public concerns through a more inclusive and trader-friendly approach, he added that the state government must also play a proactive role in explaining the matter to the public, especially in providing complete information and assisting small traders with the application process for the Scheduled Controlled Goods Permit (PBKB). He stressed that if the government believes domestic cooking gas is no longer suitable for use in certain food outlets, then the rationale, guidelines, and enforcement conditions must be clearly outlined. "This will avoid confusion and unfairness in implementation,' he said. Bung Moktar further emphasised the importance of balancing regulatory enforcement with on-the-ground realities. "This balance is key to effective administration and the people's wellbeing. I urge all parties involved to show greater commitment in addressing this issue thoroughly, fairly, and prudently," he said.
The Star
09-06-2025
- Business
- The Star
Dr Wee: Do your homework first
KUALA LUMPUR: Amending the Control of Supplies (Amendment) Act 2021 (Act 122) was never about regulating the use of subsidised liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), said Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong (pic). The MCA president, who referred to parliamentary hansards in 2021, said the amendments only gave wider enforcement powers to Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry officers. Dr Wee also said the amendments were debated by numerous MPs from both sides of the political divide before it was passed in Parliament in March 2022. 'Not a single MP mentioned the permit for three subsidised LPG gas cylinders or the use of commercial LPG for restaurants,' said Dr Wee in a video posted on Facebook on Sunday. Dr Wee said when then Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi was giving a Parliament reply in March 2022, he never mentioned the regulation on subsidised gas cylinders. 'Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali, you were not at the Dewan Rakyat then, but you could have checked the Hansard. Do your homework before accusing me,' Dr Wee said. Armizan, the current Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister, had claimed that the law behind the enforcement, where eateries are required to use 14kg commercial LPG cylinders, was passed when Dr Wee was in the Cabinet in 2021. 'Maybe the regulation on the use of cooking gas in a subsidised gas cylinder not exceeding 42kg was an internal ministerial order, or an instruction from the administration,' added Dr Wee. Dr Wee said the law behind the enforcement where eateries are required to use 14kg commercial liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) was introduced since the 2000s, but it was never enforced until the first Pakatan Harapan government in 2019. 'In early 2019, the domestic trade and consumer affairs minister issued orders making it compulsory for restaurants, coffee shops and hawkers to use commercial LPG. 'But Chong Chieng Jen, who was the deputy minister, announced the postponement of that policy following public concerns over price hikes on food. He said food and beverages (F&B) operators are allowed to use subsidised LPG,' said Dr Wee. 'And now, they are trying to enforce it again under the Madani government in 2025.' He also demanded an apology from Armizan. 'You should apologise to me for your carelessness. As the spokesman of the people, I should have not been sacrificed,' he said. Meanwhile, Armizan shot back at Dr Wee, saying he was talking about the Control of Supplies (Amendment) Regulations 2021 during a press conference on June 5 and not the Control of Supplies (Amendment) Act 2021 which the MCA president was referring to. 'It is surely impossible to find the legal provisions that I was referring to because as I mentioned A, he was referring to Z,' said Armizan in a statement on Facebook yesterday. Previously, Armizan had said Ops Gasak is being carried out under three existing laws – the Control of Supplies Act 1961, the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act 2011 and the Control of Supplies (Amendment) Regulations 2021. Armizan had also said that the regulation was enforced during the previous administration in 2021, of which Dr Wee had served as a Cabinet Minister. Yesterday, Dr Wee had said though he served as a Cabinet Minister in 2021, he has never been involved in approving such regulations. On Thursday, Armizan had said that small and micro-scale F&B operators will be exempted from enforcement under the ongoing Ops Gasak Armizan said the Cabinet agreed to review the regulations on the use of subsidised LPG cylinders by such traders, after recommendations submitted by the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry. Ops Gasak, which began on May 1 and will run until Oct 31, is meant to curb illegal activities such as decanting (transferring gas from subsidised LPG cylinders to non-subsidised ones), smuggling and the misuse of subsidised LPG by medium and large-scale industrial sectors. Dr Wee had said Ops Gasak should have focused on large-scale operations and at the borders, and not on petty traders and hawkers. The crux of the issue, he said, is the smuggling activities at the borders and abuse of targeted subsidies. The Petaling Jaya Coffeeshop Association has also said a switch to commercial LPG by hawkers could lead to consumers paying higher food prices.
