KPDN IDENTIFIES 1,561 DIESEL MISAPPROPRIATION CASES; SEIZURES WORTH RM31 MILLION IN OP TIRIS 3.0

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 23 (Bernama) -- A total of 1,561 cases of diesel misappropriation have been identified through Op Tiris 3.0, conducted by the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN), from January to Oct 19 this year.

Its Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali said these cases were identified following 30,634 inspections conducted nationwide.

“The overall statistics, which include operations involving other enforcement agencies, show that a total of 13.8 million litres of subsidised diesel was seized, with an estimated value exceeding RM31 million.

“Additionally, from January to October, KPDN opened six investigation papers under the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing, and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001 (AMLATFPUAA),” he said during a question-and-answer session in the Dewan Rakyat, today.

He was responding to a query from Roy Angau Gingkoi (GPS-Lubok Antu), who sought details on the ministry's proposals for firm action to combat the misuse of subsidised diesel, particularly at the country's borders.

Armizan stressed that KPDN remains fully committed to addressing the misuse of subsidised diesel fuel, aligning with the government's focus on preventing subsidy leakages, a priority frequently highlighted by Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

He added that KPDN has prioritised enforcement agility as part of its 2024 agenda, focusing on three key areas: enforcement, risk management, and timely interventions.

“KPDN also strengthens its collaboration with other law enforcement agencies, such as the Royal Malaysia Police, the Royal Malaysian Customs Department, the Road Transport Department, and the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency, through Op Tiris,” he said.

In response to a supplementary question from Roy Angau, regarding awareness campaigns in longhouses and areas near the Malaysia-Indonesia border, to educate residents on preventing cross-border smuggling, Armizan said that the issue would be raised during the Price Stabilisation Committee (JPH) meetings in Sabah, Sarawak, and the Federal Territory of Labuan.

“I will present this recommendation at the meeting chaired by Deputy Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, as addressing this leakage issue requires the involvement of not just government agencies, but also the cooperation of stakeholders, and public participation, through complaints,” he explained.

-- BERNAMA