A Singaporean driver’s audacious attempt to purchase RON95 fuel in Malaysia, a subsidized commodity restricted for Malaysian-registered vehicles, has sparked widespread condemnation online.
SG-registered car owner pumps RON 95 in Malaysia
In a daring move, the driver used thick ropes to obscure his vehicle’s Singaporean license plate and attempted to stealthily fill up with RON95 while physically shielding the fuel nozzle.
This incident, caught on camera by a passing Malaysian motorist and shared on social media, has gone viral.
The video shows the Singaporean-registered car at a gas station in Malaysia, with the driver and his female companion taking turns to block the view of the fuel nozzle, in an apparent effort to go unnoticed by station staff and bystanders.
Ignored driver who called him out
When a Malaysian driver noticed and honked in protest, the female companion looked around warily while the Singaporean driver ignored the gestures and continued fueling. Despite being called out by a Malaysian driver for using RON95.
“Hey, brother,” the man said, “Singapore cars aren’t allowed to use RON95.” However, the Singaporean driver remained unfazed and continued his actions.
Under current regulations, selling RON95 fuel, which is subsidized by the Malaysian government, to foreign vehicles like those from Singapore is illegal.
Netizens have expressed their disapproval vehemently, urging fellow Malaysians to boldly confront and stop such acts of ‘fuel theft’ in the future.
In response to such incidents, Malaysia’s Minister of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs announced plans to increase penalties for gas stations and oil companies that sell RON95 to foreign vehicles.
The existing law stipulates a maximum fine of RM1 million for first-time offenders and up to RM3 million or 3 years imprisonment for subsequent offenses.
Singaporeans don’t care because they know our enforcement is a joke. pic.twitter.com/hG6ZxivUwZ
— Bitcoin Malaya (@bitcoinmalaya) January 10, 2024
