PUTRAJAYA: Smuggling, misappropriation and hoarding of diesel are expected to increase following the West Asian conflict that has triggered the global energy crisis.
This requires stricter and more integrated enforcement actions, said Minister of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN), Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali.
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He said this was what has prompted contingency plans to ensure continued energy supply security to meet domestic needs, although the country’s petroleum supply remains stable.
He said the Government is not only focusing on supply stability but tightening control and monitoring of controlled goods distribution to curb leakages.
It has strengthened existing operations by upgrading Ops Tiris 3.0 to Ops Tiris 4.0 (Integrated), which came into effect on March 16.
The new approach emphasises cross-agency collaboration among various enforcement bodies and relevant ministries to enhance monitoring effectiveness and on-the-ground action.
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“This enforcement operation involves three main clusters, namely land, maritime and border, with comprehensive coordination among agencies to ensure there is no room for leakage activities.
“At the same time, the High-Level Inter-Agency Coordination Committee to Combat Leakages and Smuggling (JTPAP) was also activated immediately on March 11 as a strategic measure.
“JTPAP, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, will also chair its next meeting on April 6 to assess the status of enforcement implementation,” he said.
Armizan said the Government has also strengthened controls through daily monitoring using a database dashboard that covers the entire fuel distribution chain.
The monitoring includes all levels, from refineries and storage facilities to petrol stations and industrial users, to ensure transparency and detect any non-compliance more quickly.
The data-driven approach is crucial in addressing the various modus operandi used by irresponsible parties in leakage activities.
“Besides enforcement, KPDN is also strengthening the ‘KITA GEMPUR’ movement, a campaign to combat manipulation and leakages, which was launched on Oct. 19, 2024.
“This approach adopts a ‘whole-of-nation’ concept, involving comprehensive public participation in efforts to curb manipulation in business activities and leakages of controlled goods,” he said.
Armizan stressed that public cooperation is crucial in channelling information related to misappropriation activities.
He said members of the public with information or complaints can submit them through KPDN’s official channels, including WhatsApp, the e-Aduan portal, the call centre line and the Ez ADU KPDN application.
He advised the public to remain prudent and responsible when sharing information and to avoid spreading unverified news that could cause public concern.
“Strict action can be taken against any party that spreads false or inaccurate information in accordance with existing laws,” he said.
It was reported that global oil prices have surged 25 per cent, with Brent crude recording its largest daily increase, further driving up shipping costs and increasing global economic pressure.
This shows that the energy crisis is no longer a localised issue but has become a global challenge with direct impacts on the daily lives of people in many countries.
