IPOH: The Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry will cancel fleet cards used for purchasing subsidised fuel if they are found to be misused.
Its deputy director-general of enforcement (operations) Shamsul Nizam Khalil said the ministry has detected a new modus operandi for diverting subsidised fuel by using fleet cards for other purposes.
He said cases of fleet card misuse have been identified in Penang and Selangor, and the ministry has already acted on these cases.
"Based on our current monitoring, there is a new trend or modus operandi for diverting RON95 petrol and diesel.
"We at the ministry are aware of this and have taken action against those misusing fleet cards by purchasing fuel for use in vehicles which are not registered under the card.
"We will take legal action under the Supply Control Act 1961, and if proven, the fleet card can be cancelled and action taken against the fleet card holder," he said.
Shamsul Nizam said this in a press conference after attending the Advocacy Programme and Supply Control Instruction Delivery to Petrol Station Operators in Perak at Kolej Poly-Tech Mara (KPTM) Ipoh here, today.
He added that using fleet cards to purchase diesel allows eligible users to buy fuel at RM2.15 per litre compared to the current price.
"To prevent fuel subsidy leakage, the ministry has conducted advocacy programmes and issued Supply Control Instructions to petrol station operators in states bordering Thailand.
"These programmes have been held in Kelantan, Perlis, Kedah, and Perak, involving regional managers of oil companies and petrol station operators," he said.
Shamsul Nizam said the Supply Control Instruction serves as a reminder for all petrol stations to report to the ministry if any vehicle refuels diesel or RON95 petrol repeatedly.
"I want everyone to help the ministry as we do not wish to take action against petrol stations without due cause.
"I also request cooperation so that information can be shared without affecting the operations of these petrol stations, as we understand they have previously faced threats and intimidation," he said.