MIRI: The Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) is ramping up its efforts by strengthening collaboration with relevant agencies and the public to combat the leakage of subsidized controlled items.
This initiative is aimed at thwarting smuggling activities and preventing the diversion of subsidized goods to unauthorized sectors.
Following the recent crackdown on August 25, 2024, in Sibu, Sarawak, KPDN Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali revealed these developments.
The operation was spearheaded by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), in conjunction with the Enforcement Division Headquarters of KPDN in Putrajaya.
The investigation is ongoing, with the MACC taking the lead under the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission Act 2009, the Penal Code, and the Supply Control Act 1961, overseen by KPDN.
Addressing the press in Miri, Armizan underscored the significance of a comprehensive investigation to bring perpetrators of fraudulent activities to justice.
The investigation is targeting the entire network of a major diesel smuggling syndicate believed to have been active since 2012.
This syndicate comprises smuggling factions, diesel supply sources like petrol stations, and collaborators offering protection.
For 2024, KPDN has placed enforcement agility as its primary focus, with the goal of bolstering collaboration with all relevant agencies and encouraging public involvement in reporting suspicious activities under KPDN’s purview.
The ministry unveiled OPS TIRIS 3.0 on January 1, 2024, expanding its enforcement scope beyond diesel fuel to encompass other controlled and subsidized items like RON95 gasoline, 1kg polybag cooking oil, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), refined white sugar, and wheat flour.
According to KPDN’s Ops Tiris data from January 1, 2024, to August 24, 2024, 12,389 premises were inspected, resulting in 642 cases. These operations led to the seizure of 5.8 million litres of diesel valued at RM63.3 million and the apprehension of 304 suspects.
KPDN extended its gratitude to the MACC for effectively leading the operation against one of the largest smuggling syndicates in Sibu, Sarawak.
The ministry remains steadfast in its commitment to further collaboration to dismantle more smuggling and fraud networks involving subsidized goods nationwide.
“We will not tolerate illegal activities that undermine the government’s initiatives to support the public in managing the cost of living through subsidies,” Armizan emphasized.
