By WU VUIDE
KOTA KINABALU: The Federal Government is taking proactive measures to ensure that fuel supplies in Sabah remain sufficient and stable.
Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) Minister, Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali, said close monitoring and ongoing coordination with relevant agencies will be strengthened.
This, he said is to prevent any supply disruptions, especially in rural areas and critical sectors.
He said the current supply was sufficient and that the situation in Malaysia was more stable compared with several other countries, including those in the region.
“The issues being raised are isolated cases related to logistics, which caused delivery delays of a few hours in certain locations, particularly during the festive season when demand increases.
“I would like to remind that any sale and filling of fuel outside vehicle tanks without a special permit is an offence under the Control of Supplies Act 1961, particularly provisions under the Control of Supplies Regulations 1974 and the Control of Supplies (Amendment) Regulations 2021.
“The ministry will not compromise and will take firm action against any party violating the regulations. The public is encouraged to channel complaints through the KPDN complaint platform if there are suspicious activities. Petrol station operators are also reminded to always comply with regulations and report any violations to the authorities,” he stressed.
Armizan stated this during a courtesy call on Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor at Menara Kinabalu.
The meeting focused on the issue of petrol and diesel supplies in Sabah, amid concerns on potential stock-outs that could affect consumers and the continuity of the state’s economic sectors.
Hajiji emphasised the importance of a consistent fuel supply to support the state’s economic activities, including the logistics, fisheries and agriculture sectors which rely heavily on diesel.
Besides that, Hajiji also received a courtesy visit from Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) chairman, Tan Sri Mohd Salim Fateh Din, who briefed him on the progress of the National Digital Network Plan (JENDELA) implementation in Sabah and the Kota Kinabalu City Hall Smart City (DBKK Smart City) initiative.
Also present were Education, Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk James Ratib, MCMC member General (Rtd) Tan Sri Dr Zulkifeli Mohd Zin; and senior officials of the commission.
Hajiji (right), in a discussion with Armizan.
