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THE Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) has assured that small food vendors and rural traders will continue to benefit from subsidised liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), despite heightened enforcement of regulations governing the use of subsidised gas.
In a written response to questions raised by Rantau Panjang MP Datuk Siti Zailah Mohd Yusoff and Hulu Terengganu MP Datuk Rosol Wahid, the ministry said enforcement of LPG use remains aligned with the Control of Supplies Act 1961 and reiterated that “the issue of burdening small traders and food vendors does not arise as they continue to receive subsidised LPG benefits.”
The queries, posed in the Dewan Rakyat on 12 and 21 August respectively, sought clarification on the rising cost of LPG and concerns over the enforcement of commercial-use “purple gas cylinders” among small-scale vendors who rely on subsidised gas.
“LPG is a price-controlled item under the Control of Supplies Act 1961 [Act 122] and has been subsidised by the government since its inclusion as a Controlled Item effective 21 October 1974,” the Ministry stated.
Retail prices for subsidised LPG remain fixed under the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering (Determination of Maximum Price) (No. 4) Order 2015, which has been in effect since 1 July 2015. The retail price for a 10kg cylinder is RM19.00, 12kg at RM22.80, and 14kg at RM26.60.
While industrial use LPG is priced according to market rates, the Ministry clarified that “trading entities using more than 42kg of LPG are required to apply for a scheduled controlled goods permit.”
However, it added that although regulations under the 2021 amendment prohibit permit holders from using subsidised LPG, “the Government continues to allow subsidised LPG use for micro and small food and beverage traders exceeding the 42kg threshold.”
The Ministry’s statement comes amid public concern over food price hikes and pressure on the B40 income group. In response, it reaffirmed that its subsidy targeting mechanism ensures continued support for the groups most in need. - August 12, 2025
