Johor authorities probe alleged tampering of Singapore number plates to purchase subsidised RON95

THE Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living in Johor has begun investigating an incident involving the alleged alteration of a Singapore-registered vehicle’s number plate to enable the purchase of subsidised RON95 petrol at a petrol station in the district.

Johor KPDN director Lilis Saslinda Pornomo said the ministry had received a formal complaint and had deployed an investigation team to conduct checks and inquiries into the matter.

“The complainant has lodged a report in our system and an investigation team has already been mobilised for inspection and investigation purposes.

“At this stage, we are still awaiting the findings and outcome of the investigation. Updates will be provided once more information is available,” she said when contacted today.

The probe follows the circulation of a one-minute-and-30-second video on social media showing an individual confronting the owner of a vehicle bearing a Singapore registration while refuelling with RON95 petrol.

The person who recorded the video alleged that the vehicle owner had concealed the first and last characters of the foreign number plate, making it resemble a Malaysian registration, in what was claimed to be a new tactic to evade enforcement and obtain subsidised fuel.

When questioned in the video, the individual involved reportedly denied being a Singaporean and claimed to be a local citizen, before attempting to leave the premises shortly afterwards.

Separately, Kulai district police chief Assistant Commissioner Tan Seng Lee said police would take enforcement action if investigations confirm that the vehicle’s registration number violated existing regulations.

He said the incident was believed to have occurred at about 10.35pm last night, although police received the report at around 10.05am today.

“The report has been referred to KPDN for further action as it involves subsidised fuel.

“The police will trace the vehicle owner and, if it is found that the registration number does not comply with regulations, summons action will be taken,” he said.

Authorities have reminded the public that subsidised RON95 petrol is strictly intended for eligible Malaysian vehicles and that tampering with vehicle registration plates is a serious offence under the law. - January 3, 2025