MoF Bars Nibong Tebal Petrol Station Over Suspected Subsidy Abuse

GEORGE TOWN, Oct 27 (Bernama) -- The Finance Ministry (MOF) has barred a petrol station in Sungai Buaya, Nibong Tebal, from selling subsidised RON95 petrol and diesel under the BUDI MADANI initiative after detecting suspicious transactions suspected of involving subsidy abuse.

In a statement today, MOF said a review of the petrol station's transaction records revealed more than 1,000 transactions carried out using a manual bypass method, involving over 100,000 litres of petrol with government subsidies exceeding RM270,000.

"This action follows complaints from several BUDI MADANI recipients who discovered that their MyKad details had been used without their knowledge to purchase subsidised petrol. All complainants have lodged police reports," the statement read.

The ministry has also withheld subsidy payments to the petrol station amounting to an initial sum of more than RM270,000, subject to further reconciliation.

In addition, MOF has blocked nine individuals, including the station owner and their family members, from accessing the BUDI MADANI subsidy facility pending further action.

The ministry has also identified several other individuals suspected of being involved and is scrutinising their transaction records to determine the appropriate course of action.

"The MADANI Government will not hesitate to take stern action against any petrol station or consumer found violating BUDI MADANI guidelines.

"The government constantly monitors BUDI MADANI transactions and will not compromise on any form of subsidy abuse," it said.