Tighter security mulled at border petrol stations to curb smuggling, hoarding

 Government spokesman Fahmi Fadzil says the move follows a number of arrests made.

Government spokesman Fahmi Fadzil said the proposal for tighter security at patrol stations in border areas was made by the domestic trade and cost of living ministry.

PUTRAJAYA:

 The government is considering ramping up security at petrol stations near the country’s borders following several attempts to smuggle or hoard petrol amid escalating prices.

Government spokesman Fahmi Fadzil said the move was proposed by the domestic trade and cost of living ministry after a number of arrests at petrol stations.

“This may include deploying police officers to ensure the aspect of security at these petrol stations is safeguarded,” he said at the weekly Cabinet press conference and the daily special briefing on the global energy crisis here today.

Rising tensions around the Strait of Hormuz and broader Middle East hostilities have pushed global oil prices above US$100 per barrel, contributing to higher global fuel prices.

Putrajaya has kept subsidised RON95 at RM1.99 per litre, but the price of unsubsidised RON95, RON97 and diesel remains lower than in most countries.

The price gap has led to cases of smuggling across Malaysia’s borders, especially overland into Thailand and by sea to neighbouring countries.

Fahmi also said the Cabinet will soon decide on the mechanism for distributing the targeted diesel subsidy, including the possible use of MyKad, following discussions at today’s meeting.

He said the issue was raised after yesterday’s National Economic Action Council meeting, alongside other efforts recently announced by the finance ministry.

“Several initiatives will be followed up, including what was announced by finance minister II Amir Hamzah Azizan, regarding utilising the MyKasih system and the use of MyKad for subsidy distribution purposes, including for diesel for Malaysians.

“This mechanism will be examined by the finance ministry and will be decided in the Cabinet before being definitively announced later,” he said.

Amir previously said the government is exploring expanding the MyKad system for diesel subsidies after the rollout of the BUDI95 programme for RON95 petrol, aiming to improve subsidy delivery and reduce leakages, though nationwide logistics and system readiness require careful assessment.

Fahmi also said the agriculture and food security ministry and the domestic trade and cost of living ministry have been tasked to follow up on diesel subsidy issues, particularly for fishermen operating in coastal and deep-sea areas.

On misinformation related to fuel supply and Middle East tensions, he said the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) is investigating 42 cases.

“Twenty-two individuals nationwide have been called to have their statements recorded to assist in investigations,” he said.

Thirty-one of the cases involved false content on fuel costs, while MCMC had also submitted 355 takedown requests to social media platforms.

“So far, 154 items have been removed, while the rest are still under investigation,” he said.

Fahmi also said the Cabinet agreed to establish a National Disaster Management Council, comprising all menteris besar, chief ministers, and the Sarawak premier.

“The council will meet after the regular meetings of menteris besar and chief ministers, with the National Disaster Management Agency serving as the secretariat,” he said. - FMT