A Singapore-registered car has sparked outrage among Malaysians after it was spotted at a petrol station in Nusa Sentral, Johor Bahru, pumping RON95 petrol — which is heavily subsidised and restricted to Malaysians only — and even taking away extra fuel in a container.
Pumped RON95, then ‘tapau-ed’
The incident involved a white Mini Cooper bearing a Singapore-registered car plate, which was seen at the petrol station illegally refuelling with RON95.
According to SGRV FRONT MAN, the driver not only filled up the vehicle but also “tapau-ed” the subsidised petrol into a separate container for takeaway.
Illegal since 2010
According to the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry (KPDN), foreign-registered vehicles have been banned from purchasing RON95 petrol since August 1, 2010.
This rule applies to all vehicles registered outside of Malaysia, including those from Singapore and Thailand.
The regulation was introduced to prevent foreign motorists from taking advantage of Malaysia’s subsidised fuel, which is meant strictly for locals.
RON95 is currently priced at RM2.05 per litre, or around SGD0.60, while in Singapore, similar-grade fuel can cost between SGD2.50 to SGD3.00 per litre — roughly four to five times more.
Netizens furious
The incident triggered anger online, with many questioning the driver’s ethics.
“Can afford to buy a Mini Cooper, but can’t afford petrol?” one person wrote.
Another sarcastically commented, “Steal already not enough — even bungkus ‘ikat tepi’!”
Others hoped authorities would take action:
“Hope the Malaysian side blocks him from entering next time.”
“Smuggling petrol back to SG? ICA should be on it.”
Not the first incident
This is not the first time Singaporean motorists have been caught violating Malaysia’s fuel restrictions.
In past years, Malaysian authorities have detained foreign drivers and even issued compound fines on the spot.
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Petrol station operators have also been warned to comply with rules forbidding RON95 sales to foreign vehicles, with failure resulting in penalties or suspension of fuel supply from the government.
Enforcement action expected
No official statement has been released yet, but such cases usually fall under enforcement by the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) or Customs.
Offenders may face fines, legal action, and be barred from entering Malaysia in future.
What you can do
Malaysians who witness similar offences are encouraged to report them directly to KPDN via:
- WhatsApp Aduan KPDN: 019-279 4317
- KPDN eAduan portal: https://eaduan.kpdn.gov.my
