KUALA LUMPUR, Sept. 28 -- The Transport Ministry will assume sole authority for approving bunkering licences and related permits starting February 1, 2027.

Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook said that centralising these approvals will provide operators with a single point of accountability and ensure more consistent decisions regarding safety, fuel quality, and environmental protection.

"I consider this as one of the major achievements by MOT because I have been minister of transport for a number of years.

"When we always talk about bunkering, we know that one of the key challenges and problems are the red tapes where a simple permit needs approval from multiple agencies and ministries.

"So we have got many cabinet approvals to...