S'pore-registered car caught pumping subsidised RON95 fuel in Johor, driver 'unaware' of rules

A man with a Singapore-registered car was caught refuelling with subsidised RON95 petrol at a petrol station in Plentong, Johor, on Oct. 1.

A 21-second video of the incident, posted on Facebook, showed the man filling up his car with RON95.

According to New Straits Times (NST), the fuel is priced at RM2.60 (about S$0.80) per litre, which is cheaper than the unsubsidised alternatives available to foreign motorists.

The individual who recorded the video, believed to be Malaysian, confronted the man and stopped him from refuelling his car.

The individual was also heard telling the man that foreign vehicles are not allowed to purchase RON95.

"Foreign vehicles are only allowed to purchase RON97," he said in Chinese.

Upon hearing this, the man appeared surprised and claimed he was unaware of the rule.

Authorities respond

According to NST, Johor Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry director Lilis Saslinda Pornomo said that enforcement officers were dispatched to the petrol station to investigate the matter.

She added that action would be taken if any form of negligence was found on the part of the station operator.

"A case file may be opened and referred to the deputy public prosecutor," she said.

Foreigners not allowed to purchase RON95

Under Malaysian law, foreign vehicles are barred from buying RON95, NST reported.

If a foreigner buys subsidised fuel at a petrol station in Malaysia, the operator can face fines of up to RM1 million (about S$300,000) or be jailed for three years.

As of now, foreign motorists are only allowed to purchase RON97 or RON100.

RON97, which is permitted for Singapore motorists to purchase within Malaysia, is currently priced at RM3.17 (about S$0.96).

RON95 fuel is generally priced at about RM2.05 (about S$0.63) per litre.

Netizens react

The video sparked heated debate online.

According to NST, netizens questioned the lack of enforcement, with some accusing the driver of exploiting loopholes by refuelling during odd hours.

"Not surprising he came at 3am to fill up," one user commented. "The price gap is massive."

Others shifted the blame to the station operator for allowing the sale.

The incident has also reignited discussions on whether foreign motorists should be allowed to purchase RON95 at floating market prices once subsidies are lifted under the Malaysia government's fuel rationalisation scheme.

Top photos via Community Roda Johor - CRJ/Facebook