The recent decision by the Minister of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN), Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali, to allow micro and small-scale food and beverage traders to continue using subsidised liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) temporarily is a welcome relief. MCA extends our sincere appreciation to the Minister for his attentiveness to the voices of the rakyat, especially those impacted by the implementation of Ops Gasak.

This announcement validates the concerns previously raised by MCA. It also affirms that our stance was never about political posturing or slander, but rather a genuine effort to advocate for the public good, grounded in facts and realities on the ground.

While the Supply Control Regulations (PPKB) were amended in 2021 and took effect on 15 October of that year, enforcement was relatively lenient until the launch of Ops Gasak on 1 May 2025. The recent crackdown caused confusion and distress among small traders, who were penalised despite earlier ministerial assurances that they remained eligible for subsidised LPG.

Matters were further complicated when Petronas ceased the supply of subsidised LPG cylinders to commercial premises—an action seemingly at odds with the Minister’s statements. In light of this, MCA President Datuk Seri Ir. Dr. Wee Ka Siong and Vice President Datuk Ir. Lawrence Low were among the first to highlight the inconsistency and urge the government to provide clear clarification. Their video explanation on the issue has since gone viral, garnering nearly 2 million views.

Thanks to their persistent efforts, as well as the dedication of other MCA leaders and grassroots members—including MCA Youth and Beliawanis—and the overwhelming support from the public, KPDN has now made the right decision to revise its approach. The approval for small-scale food traders to continue using subsidised LPG eases the burden on many and prevents further price escalation during this challenging period of global economic uncertainty and ongoing subsidy rationalisation.

However, to ensure effective implementation, KPDN must now issue clear and detailed guidelines—particularly in defining what constitutes a “micro” or “small-scale” food and beverage business. This clarity is essential to prevent further confusion for both traders and enforcement officers.

MCA will continue to closely monitor the situation and act as a constructive check-and-balance to the government. We remain firmly committed to the #TeamRakyat movement led by MCA Youth, advocating for policies that serve the people, not political agendas.

Neow Choo Seong
MCA Youth Information Chief
Barisan Nasional (BN) Youth Communications Director

6 June 2025

-MCA Comm-