Singapore Driver Who Tried To Save A Few Ringgit By Fueling RON95 In Johor Fined RM20,000

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A quick stop for petrol in Johor has turned into a RM20,000 lesson for a Singaporean driver

It also makes him one of the first motorists convicted under Malaysia's stricter enforcement against foreign-registered vehicles purchasing RON95.

The man, who is in his 50s, pleaded guilty after being caught filling his Singapore-registered car with RON95 at a petrol station in Johor on 9 April.

Foreign-registered vehicles are barred from purchasing RON95 and are only allowed to purchase RON97.

While eligible Malaysians can purchase RON95 at a fixed rate of RM1.99 per litre, the price for non-Malaysians with Malaysia-registered vehicles floats weekly.

On Thursday, 2 July, the Johor Bahru Sessions Court fined him RM20,000. Sessions Court judge Datuk Che Wan Zaidi Che Wan Ibrahim also ordered him to serve three months in jail if he failed to pay the fine.

According to the New Straits Times, he paid the fine on the same day.

The case is believed to involve the driver of a black Honda Civic and is understood to be the first prosecution in Johor involving a foreign motorist since Malaysia introduced stricter enforcement measures on 1 April.

What makes this case significant?

Malaysia has long prohibited foreign-registered vehicles from buying RON95, but enforcement efforts previously focused mainly on petrol station operators caught selling the subsidised fuel.

Since 1 April, however, authorities have been able to prosecute both operators and owners of foreign-registered vehicles.

The case signals a shift in enforcement, where motorists themselves are now facing prosecution rather than just fuel retailers.

According to Johor Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry director Lilis Saslinda Pornomo, the successful prosecution reflects the ministry's commitment to curbing the misuse of controlled goods, protecting consumers and ensuring the country's subsidised fuel supply remains available for those it is intended for.

While authorities did not disclose how much RON95 the driver bought, the financial consequence is striking

At today's RON97 price of RM4.00 per litre, a RM20,000 fine could buy 5,000 litres of premium petrol.

For a typical passenger car with a 50-litre fuel tank, that works out to roughly 100 full tanks.

Even at the higher RON97 price of RM5.25 per litre in April, RM20,000 would still buy around 3,810 litres, or roughly 76 full tanks.

In other words, the fine could have covered years' worth of premium petrol.