Over 3,000 inspections made to check on subsided fuel leakages, says Zahid

KUALA LUMPUR: A total of 3,423 inspections have been conducted nationwide to check on subsided fuel leakages, says Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

This involved 92 cases and seizures amounting to RM3.02mil as of March 31.

The Deputy Prime Minister said the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry had enforced Ops Tiris for a period of six months to stop the leakages of subsidised diesel that had caused a huge loss for the government and resulting in a lack of supply.

"As of March 31, this year, a total of 3,423 spot checks were conducted nationwide that involves 92 cases, with 88 arrests as well as confiscation amounting to RM3.02mil, involving 41 handover cases," he said in a statement after chairing the second meeting of the National Action Council on the Cost of Living (NACCOL) 2023 in Parliament on Monday (April 3).

The meeting also agreed that another initiative to address leakages of subsidised fuel was to expand gas stations without subsidy in phases at areas near the country’s borders.

Among them were Rantau Panjang and Bukit Bunga in Kelantan; Tebedu, Ba'kalan and Lundu in Sarawak; Pengkalan Hulu in Perak, as well as the Johor Causeway and Second Link in Johor.

Ahmad Zahid also said that the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry had introduced the Rahmah initiatives to assist the hardcore poor who were in the B10 (Below 10) income group that received a salary below RM2,500 a month and those who were vulnerable, having little access to daily basic essentials.

"As of April 1, this year, a total of 1,076 restaurants and food operators have implemented the Menu Rahmah programme that provides savings and ease the cost of living by providing cheaper menu options," he said.

"In conjunction with the Ramadan and Hari Raya Aidilfitri, the Rahmah initiatives will be expanded to include textile and other services, such as insurance," said Ahmad Zahid.

Among them are the Rahmah Ramadan bazaars at 38 locations that provide various menus for breaking fast at an affordable price, the Baju Raya Rahmah and Rahmah insurance.

Ahmad Zahid also said that the meeting will meet once a month to look into the effectiveness of other proposed government programmes.