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GERIK – A total of 93,740 litres of subsidised diesel valued at RM283,375 was seized by the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry within a week after Op Tiris was launched on March 1.
Ministry Deputy Director of Enforcement (Prevention) Aris Mamat said that for the same period, 21 cases of diesel misappropriation from 168 operations and raids across the country were detected.
Sarawak recorded the highest number with five cases, followed by four in Negri Sembilan.
“The cases were detected at many levels including at the petrol stations themselves and also through wholesalers.
“They use regular vehicles such as cars and lorries to fill and store the diesel to avoid detection by the authorities,” he told reporters after a special inspection at the Pengkalan Hulu Immigration, Customs, Quarantine and Security Complex here today.
Aris said cheap prices and easy supply of diesel were among the main factors in an increase in its demand from industries.
“We have enhanced enforcement at all levels and localities, including the islands, industrial, urban, and rural areas with international borders to curb the problem.
The operation will run until August 31 to curb diesel subsidy leakages.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim when tabling Budget 2023 said the misappropriation of subsidised diesel was estimated at almost RM10 billion last year. – Bernama, March 9, 2023