KOTA KINABALU: The government has agreed to deploy police officers at petrol stations near border areas and other high-risk locations as part of its ongoing efforts to strengthen enforcement against fuel leakages and smuggling.
Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali said the decision was approved during the Cabinet meeting recently as part of the expansion of the static deployment of enforcement officers from his ministry.
He said the involvement of the police was crucial to address manpower limitations faced by the ministry's enforcement officers and to ensure more comprehensive monitoring of supply and price status nationwide.
The efforts aim to strengthen enforcement against smuggling and pilferage of petrol and diesel leakages, which is expected to rise with the global energy crisis, Armizan told reporters after officiating the Ihsan Food Bank (i-FB) Santuni Komuniti @ Dapur Kita-Kita Bersama KPDN programme here Saturday (April 11).
He said enforcement officers from his ministry have been stationed at 87 petrol stations in border areas nationwide from Mar 20 to April 20.
"The second phase will begin next week with an additional 70 petrol stations, which will also involve police officers.
"We will continue to monitor risks and the need to expand this implementation from time to time," he said.
Based on the reports during the National Economic Action Council (MTEN) meeting, Armizan said it is necessary to expand static monitoring to all petrol stations near borders and high-risk areas.
"The current energy crisis also affects the supply chain of food and goods, especially imports, as such, closer monitoring is necessary," he said.
Armizan said that discussions have been held with the Home Ministry to consider involving volunteers from the Rela in static monitoring operations at petrol stations.
