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KUDAT: The government is ramping up integrated enforcement in northern Sabah to curb smuggling and subsidy leakages in high-risk border areas.

Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said fuel subsidies will be maintained to stabilise prices, but stricter action is needed as abuse continues to strain efforts.

“Monitoring from April 13 to 21 found 91 of 170 border petrol stations saw a 20% drop in RON95 sales, while RON97 rose, indicating prior leakages,” he said.

He added that stronger inter-agency coordination, data sharing and surveillance technology, including Remote Sensor Sites (RSS), are being deployed, especially along illegal border routes.

Recent operations led to arrests of undocumented migrants in Kota Marudu, seizure of 800 litres of diesel in Pulau Banggi, and tighter monitoring of fuel stations.

The area remains a hotspot for smuggling, illegal entry and maritime intrusion.