MCA tells govt to define small businesses entitled to LPG
MCA vice-president Datuk Lawrence Low said the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry (KPDN) must define what constitutes a "micro and small-scale food and sales business" amid growing confusion over the enforcement of subsidised LPG use under Ops Gasak.
Low said the lack of details had left many traders uncertain and anxious.
"Who exactly are these businesses? Are they classified by the volume of LPG they consume, their income levels, or some other benchmark?
"Or will enforcement officers be left to make these determinations on the ground during Ops Gasak? The absence of clear criteria invites inconsistency and could result in unfair treatment," he said.
Low, who is also chairs MCA's Economic and SME Affairs Committee, added that the confusion was compounded by a letter issued by Petronas, dated April 30, which prohibited the supply of subsidised LPG to commercial premises.
"Why hasn't KPDN instructed Petronas to retract this letter? It is the root cause of the uncertainty and pressure being felt by small business owners," he said.
The government had launched Op Gasak on May 1 to clamp down on the misuse of susidised LPG cylinders.
Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali had said household and small businesses could use fewer than three 14kg LPG cylinders at a time without obtaining a scheduled controlled goods permit.
Yesterday, Armizan said the exemption for small businesses would remain in effect until amendments to the Control of Supplies (Amendment) Regulations 2021 were finalised.
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