PUTRAJAYA: The Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs has given an assurance that there is an adequate supply of petrol and diesel for sale daily throughout the country.
Its secretary-general, Datuk Seri Jamil Salleh, said both petrol and diesel were available, denying claims that consumers might face difficulties in getting both products by Jan 1.
He said both fuels were scheduled control items under the Control of Supplies Act 1961 since June 1975.
"Therefore, the Government will ensure the supply of scheduled goods is always on the market and easily accessible to consumers at all times," he said in a statement today.
He was reported to have said this was because of the reluctance of petrol station operators to increase storage in their tanks by the end of this month.
Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng had previously said in a statement that the Government would adjust and reduce the retail price of petroleum products, including RON95 petrol from January.
Jamil said that as retail licensees of petrol and diesel under the Control of Supply Regulations 1974, petrol station operators must comply with the terms of licensing and ensure enough daily supply of petrol and diesel.
“Among the other conditions, the licensee is also not allowed to close the station, or discontinue the sale of petrol/diesel fuel without permission," he said.
"The failure of the station operator to comply with any of the conditions is an offence under Regulation 21 of the Supply Control Regulations 1974 and punishable under Section 22 of the Control of Supplies Act 1974.
"If convicted, a fine of up to RM1 million or three years' jail or both can be imposed for the first offence, or a fine of RM3 million for the second offence and an imprisonment of up to five years or both," he added.
Jamil said enforcement officers from the ministry would monitor and inspect the stations from time to time to ensure enough fuel supply to the public.
Complaints can be made to the ministry through the ministry's website https://eaduan.kpdnkk.gov.my; or e-mail e-aduan@kpdnkk.gov.my; or via Ez ADD KPDNHEP (smartphone app) or via Whatsapp to 019-279 4317.
