Diesel Subsidy Removal Brings Down Smuggling Volume By 87%

The recent implementation of the targeted diesel subsidy on June 10 has led to a significant reduction in diesel seizures, according to Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali. He reported an 87% decrease in such cases, comparing the 20-day periods before and after the subsidy was introduced.

From May 20 to June 9, authorities recorded 65 cases of diesel seizures, totaling 520,803 litres. In contrast, from June 10 to June 30, only 14 cases were reported, involving 68,457 litres of diesel. The number of individuals arrested for subsidised diesel-related offences also dropped sharply, from 40 to just one.

The diesel subsidy removal which came into effect June 10, set the retail price of diesel at RM3.35 per litre in Peninsular Malaysia.

However, Armizan noted an uptick in RON95 petrol seizures. Between May 20 and June 9, there were 37 cases involving 17,064 litres of RON95 petrol. Arrests in these cases also increased from 10 to 17 individuals during the same period.

To address these issues, Armizan emphasised that his team will enhance enforcement and monitoring activities through Ops Tiris 3.0 nationwide. He also highlighted the importance of continued collaboration with other enforcement agencies to effectively combat the misappropriation of controlled goods.