PUTRAJAYA: The Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry is strengthening enforcement of the RON95 petrol subsidy under the the Budi Madani RON95 (Budi95) initiative nationwide through an intelligence-led approach to prevent misuse.
Its Enforcement Director-General Azman Adam said the move aims to ensure there are no leakages in the implementation of Budi95.
He noted that the ongoing conflict in West Asia, which has pushed up global oil prices, could attract foreign parties seeking to obtain cheaper petrol supplies in Malaysia.
"We will continue to enhance intelligence-led enforcement and strengthen controls at border entry points,” he said in an exclusive interview with Bernama recently.
On Wednesday (March 11), Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced that the subsidised price of RON95 petrol under the Budi95 initiative will remain at RM1.99 per litre, despite higher market prices due to the conflict in West Asia.
Anwar, who is also the Finance Minister, said Malaysia’s oil supply remains stable. A review with national oil company Petroliam Nasional Berhad found that the country’s petroleum product supply is sufficient at least until May.
To curb leakages and smuggling, Anwar said he has tasked Deputy Prime Minister Fadillah Yusof and the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Resources with strengthening monitoring and taking stricter action against those attempting to exploit subsidised fuel.
Meanwhile, Azman said the ministry is intensifying monitoring at petrol stations nationwide to prevent leakages through a new modus operandi.
He added that the ministry has about 2,400 enforcement officers ready to be mobilised for operations, with their capabilities continually enhanced, including through technology.
"We will continue to strengthen control and monitoring so that the subsidies allocated to the people can truly benefit them without any leakage or abuse,” he said.
Meanwhile, Azman also said the ministry has established strategic cooperation with several enforcement agencies, including the police and the Customs Department, to combat subsidy abuse.
"This cooperation involves intelligence sharing, integrated operations and monitoring in high-risk areas to ensure enforcement actions can be carried out more comprehensively and effectively,” he said.
He warned that the ministry will not compromise with any party involved in subsidised petrol abuse.
"Strict legal action will be taken, including investigation, seizure and prosecution in court.
"The public is also urged to provide information if they detect suspicious activities so that immediate action can be taken to protect the country’s interests and ensure that government subsidies reach those who truly deserve them,” he said. — Bernama
