Maximum 20 liters of diesel for foreign vehicles within 30KM of the Brunei, Indonesia border

PAPAR: Foreign vehicles are only allowed to refuel up to 20 liters of diesel at fuel stations in Sabah and Sarawak operating within a 30-kilometer radius from the Brunei or Indonesia border.

According to Bernama, Minister of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali said that beyond the 30-kilometer radius, foreigners can purchase the required quantity of diesel, provided it is only filled into their vehicle tanks.

He explained that this is based on the Supply Control Regulations 1974 under Regulation 12A concerning the prohibition of selling diesel and RON95 petrol to foreign-registered vehicles, which has been in effect since June 17, 2022.

“There has been confusion at certain fuel stations following the viral prohibition of diesel sales to foreign vehicles. They are worried and confused about the existing regulations which have actually been in place since June 2022.

“We want to protect our citizens’ rights to the subsidy but at the same time, we are concerned because the arrival of tourists to Sabah and Sarawak is important for the local economy,” he said after attending the Papar Rahmah Sales program and the Battle of Ethnic Program.

He commented on a viral social media post regarding a convoy of tourists from Brunei participating in an off-road event in Sarawak, facing difficulties refueling diesel because the stations along their route refused to sell diesel to foreign vehicles.

Armizan stated that the maximum limit of 20 liters of diesel also applies to fuel stations in Peninsular Malaysia within a 50-kilometer radius from the Thailand and Singapore borders under the same regulations, and foreigners can refuel their vehicles with the required fuel beyond this radius.

“This issue may have arisen because station operators are concerned that their stations will be highlighted if they sell to foreign vehicles, as has frequently happened now.

“The Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) will continue to advocate these regulations to companies and fuel station operators to avoid any confusion,” he said.

However, Armizan emphasized that foreign vehicles cannot be refueled with subsidized RON95 petrol, which is reserved for Malaysian citizens.

He added that foreigners are only allowed to purchase RON97 petrol for their vehicles.

KPDN is also aware of complaints from foreign tourists in Sabah and Sarawak who are struggling to obtain RON97 petrol due to the limited number of stations supplying it.

“I will seek an immediate report from KPDN Sabah and Sarawak and explore the best solutions, including discussions with the Ministry of Finance,” he said.