Police Intensify Monitoring of Border Petrol Stations Amid Unusual Sales Patterns
GERIK: Authorities are stepping up surveillance of petrol stations along Malaysia’s borders following the detection of unusually high fuel sales, which may indicate potential smuggling activities.
Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said the initiative will involve closer collaboration between the Home Ministry (KDN), the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN), and the Finance Ministry, focusing on data sharing and analysis.
He explained that fuel sales records maintained by the relevant ministries will be consolidated to identify stations exhibiting irregular sales patterns, allowing enforcement agencies to act swiftly.
“The most effective approach is data-driven. Once we identify stations with abnormal sales, police teams will be deployed directly to those locations for further monitoring,” he said at a press conference after a working visit to the ICQS complex in Pengkalan Hulu.
Focus on High-Risk Locations
According to Saifuddin, petrol stations near border areas that show significant spikes in petrol and diesel sales will be prioritised for enforcement action.
He noted that global energy disruptions linked to the West Asia conflict have widened price differences between countries, increasing the risk of cross-border fuel smuggling.
As a result, enforcement agencies, including the police, have been directed to intensify monitoring efforts to prevent leakages and illegal activities.
“I have instructed the Inspector-General of Police to coordinate operations to ensure monitoring is carried out effectively without compromising core policing duties,” he said.
Balancing Enforcement and Core Duties
Saifuddin stressed that while the police are tasked with additional monitoring responsibilities, their primary duties—such as investigations, intelligence work and maintaining public order—must not be affected.
With a force of approximately 120,000 personnel nationwide, operational deployment will be managed strategically to balance enforcement needs with existing responsibilities.
He also clarified jurisdictional roles, noting that cases involving controlled goods such as fuel fall under KPDN, while smuggling and theft-related offences are handled by the Home Ministry.
Various laws may be applied depending on the nature of the offence, including provisions under the Penal Code and the Customs Act.
Inter-Agency Coordination Strengthened
Saifuddin highlighted that enforcement against fuel smuggling is not new, with previous joint operations yielding numerous arrests and seizures.
Roadblocks conducted by police, as well as operations by other security forces, have successfully detected modified vehicles used to transport fuel illegally.
“This shows that enforcement agencies are not working in isolation, but are coordinating efforts to ensure the most appropriate legal action is taken,” he said.
Overall, the enhanced monitoring strategy, backed by data sharing and inter-agency cooperation, is expected to strengthen efforts to curb fuel leakages and ensure subsidies reach their intended recipients.
-wilayah.com.my
