PETALING JAYA: With smuggling expected to increase due to a spike in fuel prices caused by the Middle East conflict, the monitoring of petrol stations along the country’s borders will be prioritised despite manpower constraints, says the Home Minister.
Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said this must be done to prevent the smuggling of subsidised diesel and petrol intended for Malaysians.
“Police personnel will be stationed at petrol stations along the border to curb fuel smuggling. We may be short on personnel, but this task will take priority,” he told reporters during a working visit in Padang Besar, Perlis, yesterday.
Saifuddin Nasution was accompanied by Malaysia Border Control and Protection Agency director-general Comm Datuk Seri Mohd Shuhaily Mohd Zain as well as the police chiefs of Perlis and Kedah.
The minister gave an assurance that manpower shortage would not compromise other policing duties.
He said that from Jan 1, 2025, to March this year, border patrols foiled 735 smuggling cases involving RM2.81bil.
“The impact of fuel smuggling on the country is real due to the Middle East conflict.
“If there is a potential for supply shortages, it becomes the responsibility of authorities, including the Home Ministry and related agencies, to ensure there is no leakage, loss or smuggling.”
He added that, although petrol and diesel leakages at some 4,000 petrol stations nationwide were previously monitored by the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry, the Home Ministry’s broader authority will now strengthen monitoring across both land and maritime borders.
“Police will also be mobilised to prevent smuggling activities, especially at border-area petrol stations,” he said.
Saifuddin Nasution said a whole-of-government approach is necessary to curb fuel subsidy leakages.
“If leakages and smuggling are not effectively managed, the subsidies will be squandered, ultimately jeopardising the country’s financial stability. Cooperation across all agencies is key to success,” he said.
Earlier, the minister took an aerial survey of several strategic locations along the country’s border, including Durian Burung, Bukit Kayu Hitam and Padang Besar.
Saifuddin Nasution also observed enforcement control activities at several other checkpoints.
