Closing the ‘leak’ in gas subsidy abuse

IT comes as no surprise that retailers are once again manipulating subsidies. This time, large commercial kitchens and hawkers have been found misusing the supply of subsidised liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinders meant for household cooking. Following this discovery, the government, effective May 1, prohibited restaurants and eateries, including hawkers, from using the subsidised LPG cylinders, priced at RM26 a unit. Instead, they were ordered to use purple 14kg cylinders at RM70 per unit. Additionally, kitchens must apply for an annual permit if they need more than three cylinders. From May 1 to 20, Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry enforcement officers seized RM883,…