PASIR MAS: Unusual fuel sales patterns at several petrol stations near the Malaysia-Thailand border have raised concerns over possible misappropriation of subsidised petrol and diesel.
The Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry director-general (Enforcement), Datuk Azman Adam, said nine petrol stations had been identified as recording sales significantly higher than those in other areas.
However, he said sales dropped sharply after enforcement officers were stationed on-site, pointing to early signs of abnormal activity in the subsidised fuel supply chain.
The monitoring was conducted in four border districts - Pasir Mas, Tumpat, Tanah Merah and Jeli, he said after visiting the Rantau Panjang Immigration, Customs, Quarantine and Security (ICQS) Complex here on Sunday (Feb 1).
Azman said the sharp change in sales volumes after officers were deployed provided an early indication that required closer scrutiny.
He said the ministry was assessing whether the sales figures reflect genuine local consumption or are influenced by other factors.
"Further investigations would include examining population profiles, local economic activities and vehicle movement patterns in the border areas to ensure any enforcement action taken is based on data and a comprehensive assessment," he said.
Azman added that the ministry has yet to consider restricting petrol and diesel supplies at the petrol stations involved, instead prioritising continuous monitoring and intelligence gathering.
"A phased approach will be adopted to ensure enforcement is carried out prudently without affecting the legitimate needs of local consumers," he said. – Bernama
