JOHOR BARU: Legal action against those violating the Control of Supplies Act, particularly cartels and syndicates involved in smuggling diesel, petrol and liquefied petroleum gas, will be fast tracked, says Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali.
The Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister said the decision was made during an inter-agency enforcement coordination meeting on April 6.
He explained that the expedited process covers everything from investigations and case papers to prosecutions, hearings and final case disposal.
“This approach aims to speed up action against those involved in the misappropriation and smuggling of controlled goods, especially fuel,” Armizan told reporters, Bernama reported.
“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,” he added.
Armizan said his ministry has held discussions with the Attorney-General’s Chambers and the Office of the Chief Registrar of the Federal Court over the matter, and had received positive feedback to accelerate prosecutions.
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 April 22, recorded 20,020 inspections nationwide, leading to 362 detected 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.
Meanwhile, a syndicate using fleet cards to steal subsidised diesel was busted in a raid on an illegal storage facility in Taman Mount Austin.
Three men, including two Indonesians were detained to assist with investigations.
Authorities seized approximately 11,500 litres of diesel valued at an estimated RM58,880, along with an additional 1,200 litres worth RM6,144 stored in Intermediate Bulk Container tanks.
Armizan said the syndicate was caught using fleet cards to siphon subsidised diesel before transferring it to an illegal collection hub.
“We are acting to ensure the sustainability and security of fuel supply for all Malaysians,” he said.
