Uproar over notice on ban on use of containers to fill up with fuel

Screen grab of the post on Niah Community Facebook page

MIRI (July 27): A public notice by Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs (KPDNHEP) prohibiting the public from using jerry cans or other containers to fill up with fuel has created an uproar on social media that it is unfair to the consumers, from fishermen to grass-cutting workers.

The notice was put up following the federal government’s decision to regulate purchase of subsidised fuel starting June 17, which bars foreign-registered vehicles from filling up their tanks with RON95 petrol while Malaysians are not allowed to use containers to purchase this subsidised fuel.

Shocked netizens panned the authorities for failing to consider their situation, with some questioning the logic when fishermen, grass cutting workers to chainsaw operators are barred from filling up fuel using containers which they had been doing at the fuel stations.

In the Niah Community page on Facebook, netizen Mem Hanifi Jackson on Tuesday wrote: “Have to bring your grass cutter, chainsaw, outboard engine to Shell or Petronas to buy a little bit of fuel.”

Sue Suraya posted a picture of the notice by the ministry which prohibits the use of portable containers to fill up with fuel, saying the move was ridiculous and burdensome.

Another netizen demanded an explanation, calling for the authorities to pity the affected coastal fishermen.

The notice stated that such purchase of fuel or diesel in drums, plastic or any other forms of containers is prohibited unless authorised in writing by the Supplies Officer.

Olivana Awing Meriah of Bukit Bom in Niah questioned whether the generators needed to light up the houses would be able to function with such restrictions, saying the move would cause further suffering to the people who are still waiting for connection to the grid system.

An exasperated Marry Anne threatened to bring along her grass cutter to the fuel station for refuelling.

Meanwhile, Miri KPDNHEP branch enforcement officer Joe Azmi Jamil told The Borneo Post that there had been misunderstanding by the public over the notice.

“For purchase of petroleum fuel below 20 litres, no special permit is required,” he said.

KPDNEHP Miri on its Facebook page has advised that those who have to purchase more than 20 litres are required to apply for the special permit at the nearest KPDNHEP office or at https://ift.tt/ZSBTGPV.

from Borneo Post Online https://ift.tt/VbrsUMx
via IFTTT