Malaysia will temporarily curb petrol and diesel sales to foreign motorists to prevent abuse of subsidies, and the ban will be lifted once prices are gradually set at market level, the domestic trade minister said. The government is planning a new fuel subsidy mechanism that will eventually allow petrol and diesel to be sold in the country at market prices, Shahrir Samad told reporters at parliament building on Tuesday. He said a committee, led by the finance ministry, is studying various proposals to ease off the subsidy on the country's fuel, but did not give a timeframe for implementation. "I think this will eventually happen, but only when we sort out a more comprehensive and complete subsidy management system. We need to ensure that the subsidies reach Malaysians and groups within the country who qualify," he was quoted as saying by Reuters. Shahrir said among proposals under consideration include cash remunerations, a quota system and a distribution system using identity cards. Bernama news agency had quoted the minister as saying late on Monday that 200 to 300 filling stations in Malaysian towns bordering Singapore and Thailand will be barred starting Saturday from selling fuel to non-Malaysian registered vehicles.
