PETALING JAYA: In a decisive move to address the surging risk of subsidised fuel leakage, the government has established a high-level task force to enhance national enforcement coordination.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof announced that the Cabinet, during its meeting on 11 March, agreed to form the High-Level Inter-Agency Coordination Committee (JTPAP).
This committee is spearheaded by the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry, with participation from the Home Affairs, Defence, Transport and Agriculture and Food Security Ministries, alongside state government representation from Sabah and Sarawak.
The formation of JTPAP follows a sharp increase in smuggling-related incidents linked to geopolitical instability in West Asia.
Since the committee’s first meeting on March 16, enforcement agencies have launched an integrated operation, OPS Tiris 4.0 (Bersepadu).
Between March 16 and April 5, the operation conducted 8,148 inspections nationwide, resulting in 155 recorded cases namely, diesel – 60 cases with seizures exceeding RM2.1 million, RON95 Petrol – 47 cases valued at RM51,299, LPG – 21 cases amounting to RM37,822 and essential doods – 27 cases involving items such as cooking oil, sugar and flour.
Following a follow-up meeting today, the JTPAP outlined a robust strategy to tighten regulatory oversight through several key initiatives:
Sectoral Lead Agencies: TheDomestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry will lead land operations, while the police, under the Home Ministry, will oversee border enforcement and the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency will manage maritime operations.
Subsidy Controls: Authorities will impose strict penalties for the abuse of subsidised fuel schemes, which may include the suspension or revocation of fleet card approvals under the Subsidised Diesel Control Scheme (SKDS) and the fishermen’s diesel subsidy programme.
Regional Task Forces: Specialised task forces will be established for Sabah, Sarawak, and the Federal Territory of Labuan, and these will be co-chaired by both federal and state officials.
Enhanced Monitoring: The use of SKDS fleet cards will be expanded to cover land-based goods transportation in East Malaysia in an effort to improve transparency and accountability within the fuel supply chain.
Fadillah emphasised that these measures are essential to navigate global supply chain volatility caused by ongoing regional conflicts.
“While global geopolitical uncertainties could disrupt supply chains and lead to price volatility, we have strengthened our preparedness through strategic and integrated measures.
“Our priority remains ensuring that domestic supply remains stable and firmly under control,” Fadillah stated.
The committee plans to submit regular strategic recommendations to the National Economic Action Council to ensure the continued security of Malaysia’s fuel and essential goods reserves.
