MCA Youth urges govt to clarify LPG subsidy policy for small traders

Summary

• Concerns have emerged over enforcement actions related to the use of subsidised LPG for small traders.

• MCA Petaling Jaya Youth chief Andy Teoh calls on the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry and relevant agencies to clarify the status quo to avoid confusion that could lead to wrongful penalties.

MCA Youth has urged the government to issue an official clarification on the policy concerning the use of subsidised liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) by small traders.

This came amid claims of sudden enforcement actions and confusion on the ground, with Petaling Jaya MCA Youth chief Andy Teoh arguing that the same policy was not a problem before.

“This issue never arose under previous administrations. Small traders were allowed to use domestic LPG cylinders responsibly without facing harsh actions.

“But under the Madani government, it has turned into a controversy that threatens the livelihood of small traders already burdened by rising costs,” he said in a statement today.

Teoh (above) called on the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry and relevant agencies to clarify the status quo to avoid confusion that could lead to wrongful penalties.

“We hope the government maintains the previous policy to protect small traders,” he added.

Thousands could be affected

Citing data from the Malaysian Food Hawkers Association, Teoh said over 40,000 food vendors use domestic LPG gas in their daily operations, and any uncertainty in policy could directly affect thousands of families.

On June 1, Domestic Trade and Living Costs Minister Armizan Ali clarified that there is no new policy or regulation, let alone any cutting or abolishment of LPG subsidies under “Ops Gasak”.

Armizan said Ops Gasak is being implemented from May 1 to Oct 31 to curb the leakage of LPG subsidies, with the main focus being to combat illegal activities such as decanting, smuggling, and usage by medium- and large-scale industries.

He was responding to MCA president Wee Ka Siong, who asked why the government cannot subsidise gas for small traders if the country is the fifth-largest exporter of liquified natural gas (LNG).

Quit making reckless claims

Kuala Kubu Baharu assemblyperson and Selangor DAP assistant publicity secretary Pang Sock Tao had recently accused MCA of spreading false information on the matter.

To this, Teoh said the allegation was unfounded.

“MCA Youth reminds Pang not to make reckless accusations that could worsen the situation. The people need solutions, not political polemics,” he added.

Teoh also reiterated MCA Youth’s willingness to work with the government and stakeholders to find a fair resolution for those affected.

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