A Singapore-registered car has become the focus of a police manhunt in Johor after a video allegedly showed the driver attempting to illegally refuel subsidised RON95 petrol by masking parts of the vehicle’s number plate. The incident, which has gone viral across social media platforms, has sparked public anger and renewed scrutiny over fuel subsidy abuse involving foreign-registered vehicles.
The footage, believed to have been recorded late on 2 January in Kulai, shows a man driving a Singapore-plated car with the “S” and “M” letters on the number plate partially covered using stickers. The apparent intention was to make the vehicle appear Malaysian-registered, allowing access to government-subsidised RON95 fuel, which is strictly reserved for locally registered vehicles.
Witnesses at the petrol station reportedly noticed the unusual alteration and confronted the driver. Instead of backing down, the man was seen reacting emotionally, repeatedly claiming that he was Malaysian and therefore entitled to the subsidised petrol, despite driving a Singapore-registered car.
POLICE CONFIRM INVESTIGATION AND STATEWIDE SEARCH
Kulai district police chief Superintendent Tan Seng Lee confirmed that a police report was lodged earlier today after the video circulated widely online. According to police, the case is being treated seriously as it involves the suspected modification of a vehicle registration plate and the misuse of subsidised fuel, both of which are offences under Malaysian law.
He stated that police are actively tracking down the vehicle involved and warned that strict action will be taken if the offence is proven. Should the driver be identified, enforcement action will include the issuance of a summons and further legal proceedings.
The incident has also drawn the attention of netizens, many of whom took it upon themselves to verify the car’s registration details using Singapore’s Land Transport Authority vehicle enquiry tools. Online users quickly confirmed that the car was indeed registered in Singapore, fuelling further criticism and sarcastic commentary across social media.
CASE REFERRED TO DOMESTIC TRADE AUTHORITIES
Given that the matter involves the alleged misuse of subsidised petrol, the police have referred the case to the Johor Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry (KPDN) for further investigation. The ministry has jurisdiction over fuel subsidy enforcement and related economic offences.
Johor KPDN director Lilis Saslinda reiterated that the “BUDI 95” subsidised petrol scheme is exclusively for Malaysian-registered vehicles. She stressed that vehicle registration, not the driver’s nationality, determines eligibility. All Singapore-registered vehicles, regardless of who is driving, are only permitted to purchase RON97 petrol at Malaysian fuel stations.
She added that enforcement officers will continue conducting checks at petrol stations, especially in border districts, to prevent subsidy leakage and protect public funds.
The case has reignited public debate in both Malaysia and Singapore over cross-border fuel abuse, enforcement consistency and the need for stricter penalties. As investigations continue, authorities have urged the public to report similar incidents and reminded motorists that tampering with number plates and exploiting fuel subsidies can lead to serious legal consequences.