SANDAKAN – The government’s plan to implement targeted subsidies for diesel fuel in the peninsula is unlikely to lead to smuggling from Sabah to West Malaysia, according to Sabah’s Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry (KPDN).
The ministry’s state director, Georgie Abbas, said that smuggling between Sabah and West Malaysia is difficult due to stringent enforcement measures.
Nevertheless, the ministry is intensifying efforts to prevent smuggling by enhancing its current enforcement operation, Ops Tiris, now in its third phase.
“Ops Tiris 3.0 is conducted nationwide by KPDN, which is to increase enforcement on controlled goods and subsidised items.
“Even though the Bornean states are not involved in the (soon to be implemented) targeted diesel subsidy, we have started enhancing our enforcement earlier.”
However, he said Sabah KPDN has not yet received specific directives to tighten enforcement against diesel smuggling.
He noted that most diesel smuggling cases in Sabah involve subsidised diesel intended for industrial use within the state.
“Industrial diesel has different pricing, and industries are prohibited from using subsidised fuel,” he explained.
Georgie also said that diesel smuggling is an offence under the Control of Supplies Act 1961 (Act 122), with penalties including fines up to RM1 million, up to RM3 million for repeat offences, or imprisonment up to three years, or both, for individuals.
Convicted companies face fines up to RM2 million, with subsequent offences attracting fines up to RM5 million.
Georgie urged the public to report any information on the smuggling of controlled goods or subsidised items via WhatsApp at 019-848-8000, the KPDN e-Complaints Portal at http://eaduan.kpdn.gov.my, the Call Centre at 1-800-886-800, and the Ez ADU KPDN Smartphone Application. – May 23, 2024.