Buy petrol, diesel in Kampung Selamat, Semporna, avoid congestion at other petrol stations

KOTA KINABALU - Fishermen, small ferry boat owners and tourists in Semporna are advised to buy RON95 petrol and diesel at licensed petrol stations located near the sea to avoid congestion at other petrol stations in the district.

Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry (KPDNHEP) Sabah Chief Enforcement Officer Zulfamy Mat Udi said the department has carried out constant inspection and monitoring at the stations especially the ones located near the international borders of Malaysia, the Philippines and Indonesia.

He said KPDNHEP was aware that there were people who had purchased RON95 petrol and diesel using gallon-sized bottles and transporting them using a wheelbarrow at the petrol station in Semporna.

“Checks found that the three main factors that contributed to the purchase of petrol and diesel in containers at the district petrol stations were due to refueling activities by local fishermen.

“The second factor is due to the small ferry boats used as the main transportation by the locals to commute either for work or to go out to buy daily necessities from the nearby islands to the town of Semporna.

“The third factor is due to the activities of tourist boats that obtain fuel supplies to carry out tourism activities following the reopening of the tourism business. However, the owners of the boats have obtained permission through a special permit issued by KPDNHEP," he said in a statement on Wednesday.

In this regard, the KPDNHEP Semporna Branch has recommended for the fishermen, owners of small ferry boats and tourist boats to fill up petrol at a licensed petrol station located in Kampung Selamat, Semporna.

"This is because the station is located by the sea," he said.

He said in the meantime, to ensure adequate supply of petrol and diesel, the branch officers will be monitoring the petrol stations in the district.

"In addition, all petrol station operators that have been inspected are reminded to comply with the license conditions under the Control of Supply Act 1961.

"This reminder is also for oil companies operating especially in Semporna to comply with the laws and regulations under the Act," he said