KPDN ramps up border monitoring and Ops Tiris enforcement to prevent fuel smuggling as global oil prices exceed USD100 per barrel.

KUALA LUMPUR: The Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) will intensify monitoring and enforcement at the country’s borders to curb fuel smuggling.

This action follows a significant rise in global oil prices, which have exceeded USD100 per barrel due to the ongoing conflict in West Asia.

Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali stated that KPDN will strengthen the implementation of Ops Tiris to ensure fuel supplies are not smuggled out to neighbouring countries.

“The risk of smuggling will remain as industrial prices increase in line with market prices,” he said.

He added that the price disparity with neighbouring countries, which do not have subsidies like Malaysia, creates a high tendency for smuggling.

Armizan made these remarks at a press conference on the Festive Season Maximum Price Scheme for Hari Raya and the Rahmah MADANI Sales Programme for Aidilfitri.

Tensions in West Asia escalated following attacks by Israel and the United States on Iran in late February.

These were followed by retaliatory strikes by Tehran against US interests in Gulf countries.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim earlier said the government would do its utmost to maintain the price of RON95 at RM1.99 per litre.

Anwar, who is also Finance Minister, said the situation remains under control with the low price maintained through targeted subsidies.

 The Sun Malaysia