By Tedong Rantayy
MIRI, Aug 26: The Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) is ramping up efforts to combat the leakage of subsidised controlled goods, with a focus on smuggling activities and the diversion of sales to unqualified sectors.
This was disclosed by KPDN Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali during a press conference in Miri today.
The latest success in these efforts was marked by a recent crackdown in Sibu on Aug 25.
The operation, led by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) in collaboration with the Enforcement Division Headquarters of KPDN Putrajaya, highlights the ministry’s commitment to cracking down on illegal activities.
The investigation, which is being coordinated by the MACC under the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission Act 2009, the Penal Code, and the Supply Control Act 1961 regulated by KPDN, is expected to cover the entire chain of the large diesel smuggling syndicate believed to have been operating since 2012.
This includes smuggling groups, sources of diesel supply, such as petrol stations, and those providing protection to the syndicate.
“KPDN will continue to work closely with the MACC to ensure a thorough investigation is conducted, and those found guilty of fraud will be prosecuted in court,” said Datuk Armizan.
He emphasised that KPDN has placed enforcement agility as the first priority on its 2024 agenda, which includes strengthening cooperation with relevant agencies and encouraging public involvement in reporting any suspected illegal activities.
According to KPDN’s statistics, from Jan 1 to Aug 24, 2024, a total of 12,389 premises were inspected, resulting in 642 cases and the seizure of 5.8 million litres of diesel valued at RM63.3 million.
During this period, 304 suspects were arrested.
The minister expressed his gratitude to the MACC for its role in leading the operation that successfully dismantled one of the largest smuggling syndicates operating in Sibu.
KPDN remains committed to continuing this collaboration to further dismantle smuggling and misappropriation of subsidised goods nationwide.
“We will not compromise on these illegal activities, which are a form of sabotage against the government’s efforts to assist the rakyat in managing the cost of living through subsidies,” Armizan said. — DayakDaily
