Clarifying the matter, minister Armizan Mohd Ali said premises wishing to use more than 42kg of LPG need to apply for a controlled goods permit under the Control of Supplies (Amendment) Act 2021.

Armizan said those who do not store or use LPG beyond this specified limit are not required to obtain the permit.

“Remember that the LPG subsidies amounted to RM3.4 billion last year. These subsidies are meant for public use, not business or commercial.

“I don’t think many eateries, let alone food stalls or burger stands, need to store or use LPG cylinders exceeding 42kg at any one time unless they are large-scale business premises,” Bernama quoted him as saying in Inanam, Sabah, today.

“If there are specific cases where businesses require more than 42kg of LPG, please notify me.

“We can verify whether these business premises sell items and services directly to the people at reasonable prices, and if the cost of living is used to justify getting subsidies for their business operations.”

Armizan said allegations of subsidies being withdrawn only confuse the public, noting that the need for permits for large quantities of LPG was not a new policy or regulation under the unity government. It had been in effect since 2021 under the previous administration.

“They are playing on the sentiments that costs are being passed on to the public, but the LPG subsidies come from public funds, including taxpayers’ money.

“It is preposterous for the public to bear all business costs, including those of large-scale enterprises,” he said.