PUTRAJAYA: Close cooperation between various government agencies and industry players are crucial to curb the smuggling of subsidised goods across the borders, says Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali.
He said there are 13 Acts under the purview of the ministry and properly implementing them requires cooperation with other government agencies.
"As the government machinery in public service, our goals and functions are the same," said Armizan during an appreciation event for the ministry's strategic enforcement partners in Putrajaya on Thursday (July 3).
He said from 2021 till May 31 this year, 2,811 cases were handed over to the ministry by other enforcement agencies,
He said 250 cases were handed over in 2021, 2022 (615), 2023 (790), 2024 (822) and 335 cases from Jan 1 till May 31, 2025.
"All of these cases involve various issues, including smuggling or embezzlement of subsidised products, with a combined value of RM199.96mil," said Armizan.
Armizan said most cases were handed over to his ministry by the General Operations Forcewith 1,146 cases, followed by the marine police (866), police (661) and the Armed Forces (69).
"The consistent increase shows that inter-agency cooperation has not just contributed to the success of the enforcement operation, but also increased the effectiveness of protecting consumer rights," added Armizan.
