The smuggling of subsidised diesel and cooking oil at Sarawak’s border remains a significant challenge, according to Deputy Minister of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN), Senator Dr. Fuziah Salleh.
Speaking during her visit to a supermarket at Mile 6, Kuching, as part of the ‘Kita Gempur’ programme, she highlighted the difficulties of monitoring Sarawak’s numerous border checkpoints.
“Smugglers employ creative methods to bypass controls and illegally transport these goods into neighbouring countries. Recently, KPDN Sarawak uncovered a case involving 10 metric tonnes of subsidised cooking oil stored at an unlicensed premises near the border,” she said.
From January to November 20 this year, Sarawak saw 2,558 inspections under the ‘Ops Tiris’ initiative, leading to 119 cases and seizures valued at RM21.5 million. Nationwide, 2,511 cases resulted in confiscations worth RM86.93 million.
Dr. Fuziah emphasised that KPDN is enhancing collaboration with law enforcement agencies, including the police and military, to address the smuggling of controlled goods effectively.
“The public also plays a crucial role in tackling these issues. We encourage individuals to report cases of misappropriation, smuggling, manipulation, or fraud involving subsidised goods,” she added.
Reports can be lodged via:
- WhatsApp: 019-8488000
- Email: e-aduan@kpdn.gov.my
- Hotline: 1-800-886-800
- Ez Adu KPDN mobile app
The government remains steadfast in its mission to combat these leakages to protect subsidised resources for Malaysians.
