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Daily Express
10-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Express
Bung calls for transparency on use of LPG cylinders
Published on: Tuesday, June 10, 2025 Published on: Tue, Jun 10, 2025 Text Size: Bung claimed that small food business operators in Sabah are now anxious and uncertain about the enforcement move, attributing the concern to a lack of clear and comprehensive information regarding the operation. Kota Kinabalu: Sabah Umno Chief Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin urged the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) to demonstrate greater transparency in the enforcement of its Ops Gasak operation, particularly concerning the mandatory use of commercial liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinders by food premises. 'This is crucial to ensure that any weaknesses or confusion are not hidden but instead addressed openly and responsibly,' he said in a statement. Advertisement Bung claimed that small food business operators in Sabah are now anxious and uncertain about the enforcement move, attributing the concern to a lack of clear and comprehensive information regarding the operation. 'The people of Sabah, especially small traders in the food sector, are uneasy with KPDN's directive requiring the use of commercial LPG cylinders. 'The confusion stems from the lack of detailed explanation, which has led to misunderstandings and anxiety among small food operators,' he said. He urged KPDN to adopt a more inclusive and trader-friendly approach, while also calling on the State Government to be proactive in explaining the matter to the public. 'It is the State Government's responsibility to provide complete information and assist small traders in applying for the Scheduled Controlled Goods Permit (PBKB). 'Such efforts will not only strengthen compliance with regulations but also protect the survival of small businesses, which are the backbone of the local economy,' he said. He added that if the government deems the use of domestic cooking gas unsuitable for certain food premises, then guidelines and implementation conditions must be clearly and transparently communicated. 'There must be a balance between enforcement and consideration of on-the-ground realities. That balance is the foundation of administrative efficiency and public well-being. 'I call on all relevant parties to demonstrate stronger commitment to addressing this issue comprehensively, fairly, and prudently,' Bung said. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
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.
![SME group: KPDN failed to consult us on Op Gasak [WATCH]](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.nst.com.my%2Fimages%2Farticles%2Fgasut2_NSTfield_image_socialmedia.var_1749182422.jpg&w=3840&q=100)
![SME group: KPDN failed to consult us on Op Gasak [WATCH]](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.nst.com.my%2Fassets%2FNST-Logo%402x.png%3Fid%3Db37a17055cb1ffea01f5&w=48&q=75){kind=small}
New Straits Times
06-06-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
SME group: KPDN failed to consult us on Op Gasak [WATCH]
KUALA LUMPUR: Small and medium enterprise (SME) associations should be involved in industry policymaking from the outset, rather than only being consulted after decisions are made. SME Association of Malaysia president Dr Chin Chee Seong cited a recent policy briefing by the Employees Provident Fund (EPF) as a positive example, where associations were invited to provide early feedback before any policy changes were finalised. "That kind of engagement is good for both sides," he told the NST's Beyond the Headlines. "We want to be involved from day one—before policies are drafted or approved—so we can help shape regulations that are fair and practical for small businesses. It becomes much harder to make changes once a policy is already in place." However, he said this level of engagement was lacking from the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry (KPDN), particularly in the context of enforcement operations such as Op Gasak. "Other ministries are more proactive. We work closely with Miti (Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry), Matrade (Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation), the Digital Ministry, Communications Ministry—even LHDN (Inland Revenue Board) and Customs. They engage SMEs regularly, maybe because their portfolios are more business-focused," Chin said. "But with KPDN, not so much. I've even written to them requesting a meeting, but there's been no response. Maybe they feel it's not part of their KPI. But they should engage us—many of our members deal directly with consumers, and we can provide important feedback." Op Gasak, which runs from May 1 to Oct 31, aims to curb illegal activities such as gas decanting (transferring LPG from subsidised to non-subsidised cylinders), smuggling, and the misuse of subsidised LPG by medium and large-scale businesses. Under the operation, eateries, including hawker stalls, are required to use the 14kg purple-coloured commercial gas cylinders priced at RM70. On Thursday, however, the government announced that micro and small-scale food and retail businesses may continue using subsidised liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinders without a Scheduled Controlled Goods Permit (PBKB) until October. Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali said the exemption would remain in effect throughout the Op Gasak enforcement period and until amendments to the Control of Supplies (Amendment) Regulations 2021 are finalised. On Thursday, however, the government announced that micro and small-scale food and retail businesses may continue using subsidised liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinders without a Scheduled Controlled Goods Permit (PBKB) until October. Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali said the exemption would remain in effect throughout the Op Gasak enforcement period and until amendments to the Control of Supplies (Amendment) Regulations 2021 are finalised.
New Straits Times
06-06-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
SME group: Op Gasak enforcement poorly communicated to businesses [WATCH]
KUALA LUMPUR: The Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) Association of Malaysia has raised concerns over the lack of early and clear communication regarding Op Gasak, an ongoing operation targeting misuse of subsidised liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), saying it has left many small traders confused and anxious. Its president, Dr Chin Chee Seong, said the enforcement move, which involves scrutiny of gas usage and permits, was not properly communicated to industry players, particularly micro and small enterprises. "There may have been official dissemination of information, but nothing was directly conveyed to us or to other associations that represent small businesses," he told the NST's Beyond the Headlines. Chin said the operation's name itself — Op Gasak — was vague and raised more questions than answers. "Some SMEs are unsure if this is a swift government action or a harsh crackdown. When it involves subsidies, especially for gas, it's a sensitive issue for micro enterprises. Many of them aren't even classified as SMEs officially, yet they are affected." He said small traders were confused about compliance requirements, particularly the cap on subsidised gas cylinders. "Many of them didn't even know that after using three 14kg domestic cylinders, they must switch to the commercial 50kg tank — which costs almost double at RM70, even though it's the same gas," he said. While these regulations have existed for some time, Chin said they were not widely communicated because enforcement was previously lax. "Now, with stricter enforcement under Op Gasak, many feel blindsided. Different media sources have shared conflicting information, which contradicts what the ministry announced. This inconsistency has made things worse," he added. He called on authorities to engage more closely with business associations to ensure clearer communication in future. "When we're not engaged, we're confused too — and we don't know how to advise our members. There have been too many new policies recently that were rushed without proper consultation," he said. Op Gasak, which runs from May 1 to Oct 31, aims 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. Eateries, including hawker stalls, will be required to use the 14kg purple-coloured commercial gas cylinders priced at RM70. On Thursday, however, the government announced that micro and small-scale food and retail businesses may continue using subsidised liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinders without a Scheduled Controlled Goods Permit (PBKB) until October. Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali said the exemption would remain in effect throughout the Ops Gasak enforcement period and until amendments to the Control of Supplies (Amendment) Regulations 2021 are finalised.
Borneo Post
05-06-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Bandar Kuching MP welcomes people-centric move on LPG subsidy policy revision
Dr Yii noted that the enforcement had caused confusion and anxiety among small food vendors operating legitimate businesses. – Bernama photo KUCHING (June 6): Bandar Kuching MP Dr Kelvin Yii has welcomed the federal government's decision to revise regulations on the use of subsidised liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinders, calling it as a people-centric move that reflects the core values of the Madani administration. Dr Yii expressed full support for the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living's (KPDN) policy update, which now allows all small-scale food operators, particularly hawkers, to continue using subsidised gas without needing a Scheduled Controlled Goods Permit (PBKB), provided usage does not exceed three 14kg cylinders (42kg) at any one time. 'The government's openness in handling this matter – by quickly engaging with feedback from grassroots hawkers, trade associations, and MPs from both sides of the aisle – ultimately led to a fair and rational policy revision. 'This inclusive and transparent style of governance once again affirms that Madani is not merely a slogan but a real, people-centred philosophy of governance,' he said in a statement. The revision comes in response to public concern over enforcement actions based on 2021 regulations introduced under the previous Perikatan Nasional administration, which restricted the use of subsidised LPG in efforts to curb abuse. Dr Yii noted that the enforcement had caused confusion and anxiety among small food vendors operating legitimate businesses. He also thanked Transport Minister and DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke for raising the issue in Cabinet, saying his proactive stance helped bring about the timely policy shift. Dr Yii emphasised that many hawkers rely heavily on subsidised LPG as a basic necessity for daily operations. 'Forcing them to switch to commercial-priced gas would have driven up operational costs and food prices, ultimately burdening consumers and affecting the broader economy,' he said. While commending the decision, he urged the government to strengthen enforcement to prevent misuse. 'A transparent and efficient distribution system, combined with strict enforcement, is crucial to ensuring the long-term effectiveness of this people-oriented policy,' he added. Dr Yii concluded by reaffirming his commitment to supporting all initiatives that benefit the grassroots and contribute to the national economy stability, working alongside the government to build a more equitable, inclusive and progressive society. Kelvin Yii kpdn LPG Policy subsidy
