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Crackdown on 300+ Illegal Domestic Gas Cylinders in Car Workshop

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Crackdown on 300+ Illegal Domestic Gas Cylinders in Car Workshop
Image source: Defi Media

Authorities conducted a significant operation in Pont Blanc, on Friday January 17, aimed at addressing illegal domestic gas storage and resale practices. This initiative was a collaborative effort involving the Ministry of Commerce, local police, firefighters, and the National Land Transport Authority (NLTA).

According to Minister Michael Sik Yuen, more than 400 gas cylinders were discovered stored in car workshop in Pont Blanc, raising serious safety concerns.

During the operation, officials raided an auto repair garage that had been illegally transformed into a center for the storage and resale of gas for vehicles.

They uncovered over 300 cylinders on-site—far exceeding the legal storage limit—and the situation was alarming from a safety perspective.

The garage owner was offering a service to retrofit vehicles to run on domestic gas, filling their tanks with the unregulated substance.

Engaging in this practice is strictly prohibited and was conducted without adhering to basic safety regulations.

For motorists, the appeal of this operation lay in the reduced costs, as they no longer needed to spend substantial amounts on petrol or diesel.

The facility posed significant explosion risks and also employed two Nepalese nationals who were in the country illegally.

These employees were arrested and are currently facing deportation proceedings.

The garage owner will be prosecuted for multiple violations, including illegal storage of flammable materials and employing workers without valid permits.

Minister Sik Yuen praised the multisectoral operation, highlighting its importance in tackling illegal activities that endanger public safety and affect gas supply.

“When we see the quantity of gas here, it’s worth noting that even at service stations, the storage limit is capped at 137 cylinders.

Today, we counted over 300, and I suspect we even exceed 400,” he remarked.

The Minister also emphasized how such illegal operations exacerbate domestic gas shortages, particularly during peak demand periods in December, stating:

“These illegal practices worsen the situation for consumers, who must travel long distances to find a gas cylinder.”

He assured the public that this is not an isolated incident, indicating that further inspections would take place across the region.

Sik Yuen highlighted a recurring issue where domestic gas is misused for commercial purposes, particularly by some restaurants and hotels.

“These businesses are looking to cut costs, but this deprives families of essential gas for cooking.

This is unacceptable,” he asserted. He reinforced that the Pont Blanc operation is part of broader efforts to regulate the market and enhance safety, announcing forthcoming legislative measures.

“We will amend the law to impose stricter regulations. Gas must be available for the public to purchase for home cooking.”

Beyond supply concerns, the substantial storage of gas cylinders and the use of domestic gas as fuel pose significant public safety risks.

The Minister pointed out, “Even outside, the smell of gas is quite strong.” He reiterated that using domestic gas in vehicles poses a serious threat to public safety.

Source: Defi Media

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