PASIR MAS: The Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry has identified six main modus operandi behind the leakage of controlled goods, including petrol and diesel.
Its minister, Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali, said the six modus operandi were presented at the Inter-Agency Enforcement Coordination High-Level Committee (JTPAP) meeting on March 11, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof.
"The include manipulation by licence holders of scheduled controlled goods (CSA), as well as diversion by third parties who receive supplies but fail to channel them to the intended recipients.
"We are also monitoring bunkering activities due to misconduct and the reprocessing of petroleum products in national waters," he told reporters after visiting a petrol station and illegal depots along the Rantau Panjang border here Saturday (April 4).
Armizan said falsification of documents in terms of purchase volumes and hoarding of supplies before being sold in the black market, including to industrial sectors at higher prices, are also among the tactics used by irresponsible parties.
"Firm measures to tighten control and monitoring of distribution are crucial to curb leakages, whether in the form of smuggling, misappropriation or hoarding.
"Beyond field enforcement, strengthening controls also involves daily monitoring through a distribution chain database dashboard covering the entire supply chain, from refineries to retail levels, including all storage facilities, petrol stations and industrial users," he said.
Armizan added that Fadillah will chair the second JTPAP meeting on April 6, where updates on enforcement implementation will be presented.
"The ministry welcomes public cooperation and participation, including in channelling relevant information.
"However, the public is reminded to act responsibly when sharing information and to refrain from spreading unverified news that could trigger panic and public concern," he said. - Bernama
