KUALA LUMPUR, April 10 — The government has issued a warning to corporations and industries that are supposed to buy fuel directly from oil companies at market prices, but are instead discreetly buying oil at pump prices.
Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan said the diesel market price of RM7 to RM8 per litre is higher than the RM6.72 per litre at fuel stations, which is subsidised by the government.
“The government is warning these companies to stop ‘channel-switching’ or face enforcement action,” he said during the global energy crisis briefing today.
In addition to monitoring such activities to ensure sufficient domestic supply, the government is also boosting enforcement to curb smuggling and misappropriation.
Subsidised RON95 under BUDI95 remains at RM1.99 per litre from April 9 to 15, while unsubsidised RON95 is up by 40 sen to RM4.27 per litre.
Subsidised diesel in Sabah, Sarawak, and Labuan remains at RM2.15 per litre, while unsubsidised diesel in Peninsular Malaysia rose by 70 sen to RM6.72 per litre.
Amir Hamzah also expressed appreciation to the public for reporting misconduct to the authorities, such as foreigners buying RON95, as well as suspicious activities at fuel stations and national borders.
“This spirit of togetherness is what helps us address the crisis. In a world that remains uncertain, our strength lies in solidarity, moderation, and togetherness. We must instil a strong spirit and determination as a united society,” he said.
Commenting on the national economy, Amir Hamzah said that at the start of this year, Malaysia ushered in 2026 with highly encouraging economic growth momentum, supported by robust domestic demand, exceptional export growth, manageable inflation, low unemployment, and the ringgit’s performance as one of Asia’s best-performing currencies.
“This position makes Malaysia unique compared to other countries in the region. With strong economic fundamentals, Malaysia remains resilient in facing the global energy crisis.
“This is the result of key policies implemented over the past three years that have driven the economy while maintaining strict fiscal discipline,” he said.
The targeted subsidy policy, for example, is among the important policies that have built fiscal space, enabling the country to absorb economic shocks taking place today, Amir Hamzah said.
“Today, Malaysia has demonstrated resilience, competitiveness, and stability that drive foreign investors to continue choosing Malaysia as an investment destination. That is a blessing,” he added.
