Kuala Lumpur: Micro and small-scale traders in the food and beverage sector may continue using subsidised liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinders without a special permit until the amendments to the Control of Supplies Regulations (PPKB) 2021 are finalised this October. Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali stated that no legal action will be taken against this group of traders during the transition period.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, small and micro food and beverage traders will be allowed to obtain supplies of subsidised LPG cylinders without the need for a scheduled controlled goods permit. Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali mentioned at a press conference that the Cabinet, in its meeting, agreed to the ministry's proposal to amend the regulations, which initially came into effect on October 15, 2021, under the previous administration.
Armizan highlighted that the amendments would consider the specific needs of micro and small-scale food and beverage traders, while also ensuring legal clarity in terms of compliance and enforcement. The ministry aims to finalise the amendments once Op Gasak concludes on October 31. Enforcement against leakages involving illegal decanting activities and misuse by industrial users under Op Gasak will continue.
He explained that the Op Gasak report will serve as a basis for determining the way forward to ensure suitable legal provisions are in place, taking into account the needs of those providing services to the public, especially food and beverage businesses. The amendment process will be coordinated through a technical committee established on May 1, chaired by the ministry's secretary-general, and involving relevant ministries and agencies.
Furthermore, Armizan mentioned the engagement with a range of stakeholders, including an upcoming session with 10 food and beverage business associations. He emphasized the importance of practical and beneficial amendments for the intended target groups.
The Control of Supplies Regulations (Amendment) 2021 limits the ownership and use of subsidised LPG exceeding 42 kilogrammes at any one time without a scheduled controlled goods permit.