Ad Banner
Advertisement by Open Privilege
Malaysia

The Ministry is thinking about letting Brunei vehicles pump RON95 in Miri

Image Credits: UnsplashImage Credits: Unsplash
  • The Malaysian Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living is considering allowing Brunei vehicles to purchase RON95 petrol in Miri.
  • The proposal aims to improve the travel experience for Bruneian tourists and address RON97 supply issues.
  • Stakeholders, including local leaders and petrol station representatives, are involved in discussions to refine the policy and address potential concerns.

The Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) in Malaysia is currently evaluating a proposal to allow Brunei-registered vehicles to purchase RON95 petrol in Miri, a city in the Malaysian state of Sarawak. This consideration comes amidst ongoing discussions and debates surrounding fuel policies affecting Bruneian visitors to Malaysia, particularly in regions close to the Brunei-Malaysia border.

Current Fuel Policy and Challenges

Currently, foreign vehicles, including those from Brunei, are restricted to purchasing only RON97 petrol in Sarawak. This policy aims to prevent fuel smuggling due to the significant price difference between subsidized RON95 in Malaysia and fuel prices in Brunei. The existing rule has led to some confusion and challenges, particularly highlighted by a recent incident involving a Brunei convoy that faced difficulties obtaining diesel fuel during their travels in Sarawak. The misunderstanding arose from the policy that limits the sale of diesel to foreign vehicles within a 30km radius of the border to 20 liters, while beyond this radius, there are no restrictions provided the fuel is used within Sarawak.

Proposal to Allow RON95 for Bruneian Vehicles

The proposal to allow Brunei vehicles to access RON95 petrol aims to enhance the travel experience for Bruneian tourists and address any supply issues of RON97 in areas frequently visited by them. Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali emphasized that the ministry is committed to refining its policies by analyzing data concerning petrol stations supplying RON97 in Sarawak, particularly in Miri. He stated, "We will look into this proposal by looking at certain data and at the same time take into account the supply of RON97 petrol in Sarawak, especially in Miri. We will also look into the focus areas of visitors or tourists from Brunei to determine whether there is a supply problem of RON97 in the areas".

Economic and Social Implications

Allowing Brunei vehicles to refuel with RON95 could have several implications. Economically, it could boost tourism and local businesses in Miri by making it more convenient for Bruneian tourists to travel within the region. Socially, it could strengthen cross-border relations between Malaysia and Brunei, fostering a more collaborative and friendly environment. However, the proposal also raises concerns about potential fuel smuggling and the impact on local fuel supplies. The ministry plans to engage further with the Ministry of Finance to refine the proposal, taking into account key data and ensuring that local policies effectively prevent illegal activities.

Stakeholder Involvement and Future Steps

The proposal has garnered attention from various stakeholders, including local leaders and representatives from petrol stations. The ministry has assured that it will continue to engage with these stakeholders to address any concerns and ensure a smooth implementation of the policy if approved. Minister Armizan highlighted the importance of collaboration, stating, "The ministry will engage further with the Ministry of Finance to refine this proposal. We will take into account factors such as petrol stations supplying RON97 in Sarawak, particularly in Miri, and areas frequented by visitors and tourists from Brunei".

The consideration to allow Brunei vehicles to pump RON95 in Miri reflects a proactive approach by the Malaysian government to address fuel supply challenges and enhance bilateral relations with Brunei. While the proposal presents potential benefits, it also requires careful consideration of economic, social, and regulatory factors to ensure a balanced and effective policy. As discussions continue, the outcome of this proposal could set a precedent for future cross-border collaborations and fuel policy adjustments in the region.


Ad Banner
Advertisement by Open Privilege

Read More

Finance Malaysia
Image Credits: Unsplash
FinanceApril 3, 2025 at 11:00:00 AM

Asian markets plummet following the announcement of Trump's tariffs

[ASIA] Asian financial markets have taken a sharp nosedive following the announcement of new tariffs by former U.S. President Donald Trump, a move...

Tech Malaysia
Image Credits: Unsplash
TechApril 3, 2025 at 10:30:00 AM

Apple shares plunge after new tariff announcement

[WORLD] Apple Inc.'s stock price has plummeted following the announcement by US President Donald Trump of sweeping tariffs targeting overseas industrial hubs such...

Economy Malaysia
Image Credits: Unsplash
EconomyApril 3, 2025 at 10:00:00 AM

Trump's case against China as Liberation Day approaches

[WORLD] As the political landscape of the United States begins to shift, the relationship between the U.S. and China continues to dominate global...

Finance Malaysia
Image Credits: Unsplash
FinanceApril 3, 2025 at 9:30:00 AM

Bursa Malaysia falls amid Trump tariff shock

[MALAYSIA] Malaysian equities took a hit this morning as Bursa Malaysia opened sharply lower following U.S. President Donald Trump’s announcement of sweeping new...

Economy Malaysia
Image Credits: Unsplash
EconomyApril 3, 2025 at 9:00:00 AM

US imposes24% tariff on Malaysian imports

[MALAYSIA] The United States has announced a 24% tariff on imports from Malaysia, part of a broader strategy to address perceived trade imbalances....

Economy Malaysia
Image Credits: Unsplash
EconomyApril 3, 2025 at 9:00:00 AM

Oil prices drop as Trump’s tariff plan sparks global slowdown fears

[WORLD] Oil prices experienced a significant decline on Thursday, dropping nearly 3%, after President Donald Trump unveiled a comprehensive set of new tariffs...

Economy Malaysia
Image Credits: Unsplash
EconomyApril 3, 2025 at 7:00:00 AM

US markets react to Trump's tariff announcements

[UNITED STATES] US market indices closed higher following a tumultuous trading session on Wednesday, dipping early and then rebounding as investors made last-minute...

Politics Malaysia
Image Credits: Unsplash
PoliticsApril 3, 2025 at 1:30:00 AM

Evidence points to execution-style killings of Gaza paramedics in Israeli attack

[MIDDLE EAST] A forensic doctor who examined the bodies of some of the 15 paramedics and Palestinian rescue workers killed by Israeli forces...

Credit Malaysia
Image Credits: Unsplash
CreditApril 3, 2025 at 1:30:00 AM

Americans struggle with rising credit card debt as interest rates exceed 20%

[UNITED STATES] A new report from the Federal Reserve reveals troubling financial trends for U.S. consumers, with over 60% of Americans currently carrying...

Relationships Malaysia
Image Credits: Unsplash
RelationshipsApril 2, 2025 at 6:30:00 PM

When motherhood clashes with career expectations

[WORLD] More and more mothers are expressing dissatisfaction with parenting, which can be far from the ideal they had envisioned. Many people find...

Politics Malaysia
Image Credits: Unsplash
PoliticsApril 2, 2025 at 4:30:00 PM

Israel expands Gaza offensive amid escalating conflict

[MIDDLE EAST] Israel has declared a considerable increase in its military campaign in the Gaza Strip, with ambitions to take large areas of...

Economy Malaysia
Image Credits: Unsplash
EconomyApril 2, 2025 at 2:30:00 PM

Trump announces new tariffs on ‘liberation day’

[UNITED STATES] Donald Trump will announce his next round of tariffs at the White House on Wednesday afternoon, threatening to start a global...

Ad Banner
Advertisement by Open Privilege
Load More
Ad Banner
Advertisement by Open Privilege