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THE Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living has seized more than RM32 million worth of subsidised petrol and diesel since the start of 2024, as part of an intensified nationwide crackdown on leakages, fraud and cross-border smuggling.
Deputy Director-General of Enforcement (Operations) Shamsul Nizam Khalil said the ongoing Ops Tiris 3.0 operation, launched on January 1, 2024, has so far involved 38,615 inspections, leading to 1,371 cases and the arrest of 667 individuals.
“Total seizures involving various controlled goods, including petrol and diesel, during that period amounted to RM32,086,839.88, with the overall value of seizures throughout the operation reaching RM146,015,771,” he said on Sunday.
He was speaking at a press conference held at the Bukit Kayu Hitam Immigration, Customs, Quarantine and Security Complex, a key northern border checkpoint.
Shamsul Nizam said the operation is being carried out through strategic collaboration with multiple enforcement agencies, including the Royal Malaysia Police, the Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency, the Road Transport Department, the Immigration Department and the Royal Malaysian Customs Department.
He explained that enforcement measures include stringent inspections at all border entry points, petrol stations and wholesalers, alongside intensified monitoring in high-risk areas to ensure subsidised fuel is not misused by individuals or organised syndicates.
“KPDN would like to issue a stern warning to any individual or syndicate not to take advantage of the current global conflict situation.
“The misappropriation of national subsidies is a form of betrayal of the country,” he said.
In a related development, the ministry also warned against the abuse of subsidised diesel fleet cards, stressing that strict action would be taken against those exploiting such mechanisms for illegal profit, including smuggling fuel into Thailand.
“We will take firm action against any party found misusing the Budi Madani RON95 Programme (Budi95), as well as these fleet cards.
“Integrated operations will be intensified to curb leakages, particularly fuel smuggling and misappropriation at national border entry points,” he added.
Shamsul Nizam also called on the public to support enforcement efforts by participating in the KITA GEMPUR initiative aimed at tackling the misuse and manipulation of controlled goods. - March 29, 2026
