Johor’s Chief Minister inspects petrol stations to prevent illegal RON95 sales to foreigners

Johor’s Chief Minister, Onn Hafiz Ghazi, has taken to the streets of Johor Bahru to personally inspect petrol stations and ensure compliance with Malaysia’s fuel subsidy regulations—banning foreign vehicles from pumping subsidised RON95.

RON95 petrol in Malaysia is heavily subsidised, priced at RM2.05 (≈ S$0.62) per litre, and is strictly reserved for Malaysian citizens. Foreign-registered vehicles, especially those from Singapore, are legally restricted to using RON97 or other non-subsidised fuels. Recent checks come amid rising concerns of subsidy misuse at the Malaysia-Singapore border.

Onn Hafiz Leads Surprise Inspections

In a bold and symbolic move, Johor Chief Minister Onn Hafiz Ghazi conducted hands-on inspections at petrol stations across Johor Bahru on April 4, 2025. Accompanied by enforcement officers and state officials, the operation targeted possible violations involving foreign-registered vehicles illegally refuelling with RON95. The initiative, captured and shared on social media, included video footage of Onn Hafiz greeting Singaporean drivers and ensuring they were compliant—pumping RON97 instead.

The Chief Minister praised the majority of Singapore-registered vehicles for respecting the rules, signalling satisfaction with current enforcement. His team also monitored diesel pumps to ensure foreign vehicles did not exceed the 20-litre limit within the 50-kilometre border zone.

Protecting Malaysian Subsidies

Onn Hafiz reiterated that fuel subsidies are strictly meant for Malaysian citizens. Any breaches, including the sale of RON95 to foreigners or pricing above the RM2.05 ceiling, would be met with “strict action.” He stressed the importance of preserving resources for those entitled to them, as misuse undermines national subsidy policies and puts a strain on public finances.

The crackdown is part of a broader national effort to prevent subsidy leakages, particularly in border areas where violations are most common. Enforcement ensures not only fair access but also sends a clear message to petrol station operators who may be tempted to turn a blind eye.

Encouraging Public Accountability

The Chief Minister urged the public to play an active role in monitoring compliance by reporting violations through the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs’ e-Complaint Portal. Each report, he promised, would be thoroughly investigated and dealt with appropriately.

Transparency and collaboration are key to making this enforcement successful. By empowering citizens, the government hopes to maintain integrity and fairness in the distribution of subsidised fuel—a necessity in managing economic resources in challenging times.

Singaporean travellers crossing into Johor should remain vigilant and respectful of local fuel laws to avoid complications. As inspections increase, visitors should be mindful to refuel only with eligible petrol types and understand that Malaysia’s subsidies are strictly for its citizens—ensuring fairness and sustainability in cross-border relations.

Sources: Must Share News (2025), Bernama (2025)

Keywords: Petrol Station Inspection, RON95 Ban Foreigners, Fuel Subsidy Violation, Johor CM Spotcheck