KUANTAN: The Home Ministry has proposed prosecuting cases of subsidised diesel embezzlement involving fleet card abuse in court, rather than settling it through compounds.
Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said such firm action is necessary, as subsidised diesel misappropriation involves large volumes and severely impacts government efforts to prevent su bsidy leakages.
"I have conveyed this to the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister (Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali) for cases under his ministry. I recommended opening investigation papers (so that) cases do not merely end with a compound, but with a criminal charge," he said.
He told reporters this after officiating the Jelajah Wira Madani programme, organised by the Southeast Brigade of the General Operations Force (GOF), here Thursday (May 7).
Also present were Deputy Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay and political secretary to the Prime Minister, Datuk Ahmad Farhan Fauzi.
Saifuddin Nasution added that fleet card owners found to have abused the facility should face stricter administrative action, including immediate revocation of their rights.
"The rights of these fleet card owners should be cancelled entirely, as these cases involve hundreds of thousands of litres, not just 10 or 20 litres," he said.
He said the police last week foiled a fleet card abuse syndicate in Kedah, where eligible cardholders who could purchase subsidised diesel at RM2.15 per litre handed over their cards to the syndicate, which then resold the fuel to industries at market prices.
Regarding the government's decision to station police officers at high-risk petrol stations, especially near the country's borders, Saifuddin said the enforcement will continue until further notice.
"The reason is simple. While we are struggling to ensure sufficient supply amidst a (global energy crisis), acts of smuggling and abuse are highly inappropriate. The police are taking on this role to help ensure that leakages, which result in losses for the country, do not occur," he added. - Bernama
