JOHOR BARU: The Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry is moving to fast-track legal action against offences under the Control of Supplies Act 1961.
Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali announced that the decision was made during the meeting of the Supreme Committee for Inter-Agency Enforcement Coordination on April 6.
He explained that the expedited process covers everything from investigations and case papers to prosecution, hearings and final case disposal.
Priority will be given to cartel and syndicate cases involving diesel, petrol, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and other controlled items.
"This approach aims to speed up action against those involved in the misappropriation and smuggling of controlled goods, especially fuel, as well as serve as a prevention and risk management mechanism.
"Firm and swift action is critical to ensure supply security for the people and domestic use. We want to send a clear signal to those responsible that the government is very serious and will take decisive action to curb these illegal activities," Armizan told a press conference here on Thursday (April 23).
Following the decision, Armizan said, the ministry held discussions with the Attorney General’s Chambers and the Office of the Chief Registrar of the Federal Court, receiving positive feedback to accelerate prosecution.
Proposed improvements include creating fast-track channels, appointing designated judges, and coordinating case management teams across agencies.
In a related development, he said Ops Tiris 4.0, which ran from March 16 to Wednesday (April 22), recorded 20,020 inspections nationwide, leading to 362 cases and 105 individuals detained.
Diesel accounted for the highest number of cases at 157, followed by petrol, LPG, cooking oil, sugar, and wheat flour.
In Johor specifically, 2,227 inspections resulted in 23 recorded cases, including 13 involving diesel. – Bernama
