KUALA LUMPUR: Nearly 80 per cent, or 490 of the 616 arrests made under Ops Tiris 3.0 so far, involve locals colluding with syndicates in misappropriation and smuggling activities.
Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry director-general of enforcement, Datuk Azman Adam, described the actions of these collaborators as unjust, depriving deserving groups of essential goods while sabotaging the nation's economy.
"This is an alarming figure. We must take steps to change this situation and make them realise that their actions are a form of economic sabotage and unfair to the rest of the population," he said during an interview with Buletin TV3 and Berita Harian today.
Citing an example, Azman said some individuals were involved in smuggling subsidised cooking oil to neighbouring countries, depriving needy Malaysians of affordable supplies.
"These individuals smuggle cooking oil across the border while citizens in need are forced to buy bottled cooking oil at significantly higher prices.
"It's an injustice driven by greed for quick wealth, at the expense of the rightful beneficiaries," he said.
Ops Tiris 3.0, launched nationwide on Jan 1, focuses on enforcement against the misuse of subsidised goods such as diesel, RON95 petrol, 1kg subsidised cooking oil packets, white sugar, wheat flour, and liquefied petroleum gas.
Of the total arrests, 335 were linked to diesel-related offences, while the remaining 281 involved other commodities.
Azman said citizens must assume responsibility and assist in combating activities that undermine the country's economy.
"Enforcement agencies are often plagued by insiders providing information to those misappropriating resources, sometimes even acting as lookouts (tontos).
"They want quick wealth even if it means breaking the law, but at the same time, they disregard the rights of those who deserve it.
"This is something that our people should be aware of so they don't get involved in such activities," he said.