(Kuching,DEC 14) Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali pointed out that starting tomorrow, 466 gas stations in Sabah, Sarawak, and Labuan will undergo periodic monitoring inspections in phases.
He stated that this is to better address the issue of controlled goods leakage and improve enforcement efficiency.
After attending an enforcement coordination meeting on controlled goods leakage in Sabah, Sarawak, and the Federal Territory of Labuan, hosted by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, he noted that the government will enhance enforcement efficiency through strengthened coordination between federal and state government departments. Cross-departmental collaboration will ensure that policies are effectively implemented to address the current issue of goods leakage.
He revealed that 10 measures were reached during the meeting, including:
1. Strengthening the coordination of enforcement tasks for controlled goods at the borders of Sabah and Sarawak through the existing "OPS Tiris" Secretariat, which is under the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living. More strategic and systematic task coordination will be implemented until the Malaysian Border Management Agency fully executes, becoming the sole agency responsible for national border regulation.
2. Optimizing the border enforcement mechanism by delegating KPDN's enforcement authority to relevant agencies operating at border entry points and maritime areas, enabling quicker and more effective handling of goods loss issues.
3. Enhancing coordination and cooperation among relevant agencies by providing assets, logistical support, and human resources to better execute KPDN's enforcement actions, such as sharing evidence storage space and providing staff security assistance.
4. Improving the monitoring of refueling activities through the sharing of licensee lists and implementing special labeling on refueling vessels/boats.
5. Improving the mechanism and management system of the fisherman's diesel and gasoline subsidy program to curb the problem of goods loss.
6. The government will establish controlled goods sales zones at the borders and nearby islands, where only non-subsidized controlled goods are allowed to be sold.
7. The government will strictly enforce the suspension and revocation of controlled goods licenses (CSA) and does not rule out invoking the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001 (AMLATFPUAA 2001) to severely deal with offenders involved in controlled goods violations.
8. Starting December 15, 2024, periodic monitoring will begin at 466 gas stations in Sabah, Sarawak, and Labuan Federal Territory, and a monitoring record mechanism will be established.
9. Proposing that state governments and local authorities take appropriate action against illegal docks and bases, which are one of the main sources of goods loss.
10. Improving the effectiveness of monitoring and enforcement by introducing and implementing controlled goods licenses with QR codes.
Deputy Prime Minister Fadillah witnessed the signing ceremony of 11 oil companies at the end of the meeting, including Petronas, Shell, Petron, Caltex, etc., pledging full support to the government in combating diesel and gasoline leakage and manipulation activities.
At the end of the meeting, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof also witnessed the signing of anti-manipulation and leakage commitment letters by 11 domestic oil companies, including Petronas, Shell, Sarawak Oil Company, Petron, Caltex, BHPetrol, Xcel, FIVEBuraq Oil, SMART, and Petro Teguh. All companies pledged to fully assist the government in combating diesel and gasoline leakage and manipulation activities.