MICRO and small-scale food and beverage traders may continue using subsidised liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) without a special permit until proposed amendments to the Supply Control Regulations (PPKB) 2021 are finalised in October, Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali announced today.
He assured that during this transitional period, enforcement agencies will not take legal action against such traders.
“Traders can continue purchasing subsidised LPG as usual even without a permit, as long as the amendments are not yet concluded,” he said at a press conference at the ministry’s headquarters.
The Cabinet, which convened earlier today, agreed to KPDN’s recommendation to amend the existing regulations. The current rules, enforced since 15 October 2021, were introduced under the previous administration.
Armizan explained that the amendments will provide targeted exemptions for small and micro food vendors, ensuring clearer legal provisions for compliance and enforcement.
The regulatory changes are expected to be completed shortly after the conclusion of Ops Gasak, a nationwide enforcement operation targeting LPG misuse, scheduled to end on 31 October.
While offering relief to traders, the minister emphasised that enforcement against major offences such as illegal “decanting” and industrial misuse of subsidised LPG will continue.
“The findings of Ops Gasak will serve as a vital foundation for drafting legislation that is clearer, more inclusive, and better aligned with the realities faced by small vendors who serve the general public,” Armizan added.
He said a Technical Committee was established on 1 May to lead the amendment process, chaired by the ministry’s secretary-general and involving relevant government ministries and agencies.
“In addition to government representatives, we are incorporating input from stakeholders. In fact, tomorrow I will engage directly with 10 associations representing the food and beverage industry,” he said.
Armizan encouraged public feedback to ensure the new regulations are practical and beneficial to the intended recipients.
Under the current PPKB (Amendment) 2021 regulations, traders are restricted from possessing or using more than 42 kilograms of subsidised LPG at any one time unless they hold a Scheduled Controlled Goods Permit. - June 5, 2025
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