Targeted diesel subsidy: Three probe papers opened on profiteering complaints

PETALING JAYA: Enforcement authorities have begun clamping down on those taking advantage of the diesel subsidy rationalisation to hoard or arbitrarily raise the prices of their goods and services.

Deputy Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Fuziah Salleh said as of Wednesday (June 12), a total of 23 complaints had been received, with three investigation papers opened.

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"A total of 191 notices were also issued following inspections of 346 premises," she said in a statement.

She said the action was taken under Ops Kesan 2.0, which was activated on Saturday (June 8) in preparation for the implementation of the targeted diesel subsidy on Monday (June 10).

"The ministry is ready to act against hoarding or situations where traders take advantage by raising prices even when they were not eligible for diesel subsidies before the rationalisation," she said.

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She warned that stern action would be taken against unscrupulous traders under the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act 2011.

On Sunday (June 9), Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan announced the implementation of the targeted diesel subsidy initiative.

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Diesel in Peninsular Malaysia would be set at RM3.35 per litre based on the unsubsidised market price according to the Automatic Pricing Mechanism formula.

Also implemented was the Subsidised Diesel Control System (SKDS) for selected public and goods vehicles to continue receiving diesel subsidies through the fleet card and the Budi Madani RM200 monthly cash aid for eligible diesel vehicle owners.