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More than 30,600 inspections conducted in diesel abuse crackdown

KUALA LUMPUR: From January to Oct 19, the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry and other enforcement agencies have conducted 30,634 inspections under Op Tiris 3.0, the Dewan Rakyat was told today.

Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali said the inspections uncovered 1,561 cases involving diesel misappropriation.

"The overall statistics include the handover of cases involving other enforcement agencies. This resulted in the seizure of about 13.8 million litres of subsidised diesel, with an estimated value exceeding RM31 million," he said in response to a question by Roy Angau Gingko (GPS-Lubok Antu).

He asked whether the ministry plans to take more decisive action to combat the abuse of subsidised diesel in Malaysia, especially in states bordering neighbouring countries such as Sarawak.

Roy also wanted to know what proactive measures will be taken to reduce leakage and smuggling of other subsidised items.

Armizan further said the ministry had initiated six investigations under the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act since January.

Armizan also announced the cabinet agreed to the ministry's proposal for Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof to chair a coordination meeting involving all enforcement agencies.

"Following the meeting of the price stabilisation committee for Sabah, Sarawak and Labuan, the cabinet agreed two weeks ago on the ministry's proposal for deputy prime minister II (Fadillah) to chair a coordination meeting involving all enforcement agencies. This aims to strengthen enforcement, particularly at the borders of Sabah and Sarawak."

On Roy's suggestion to involve longhouses in advocacy programmes to address leakages and smuggling, Armizan said: "I will bring this proposal to the meeting chaired by the deputy prime minister. To address leakages of subsidised goods, it is important to note that it involves not just government agencies but also the participation of stakeholders and the public."

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