Police Tighten Surveillance at 13 Fuel ‘Hotspots’ to Curb Subsidy Leakages

IPOH: The Royal Malaysian Police has intensified monitoring at 13 fuel stations identified as “hotspots” across Perak, Kedah, and Perlis under the ongoing Op Tiris 4.0 operation, in a decisive move to combat the misuse of subsidized fuel.

The operation, led by the Internal Security and Public Order Department (JKDNKA), involves the deployment of personnel from the General Operations Force (GOF) Northern Brigade. According to Northern Brigade Commander Balveer Singh Mahindar Singh, three senior officers and 54 personnel have been stationed at strategic locations along the Malaysia–Thailand border.

Of the 13 targeted fuel stations, two are located in Perak, six in Kedah, and five in Perlis—areas identified as vulnerable to the illegal outflow of subsidized petrol.

Authorities said the monitoring operation begins as early as 6:30am and continues throughout the day until station closures, with personnel working in shifts to ensure constant surveillance.

The enhanced enforcement follows the implementation of new regulations under the Control of Supplies (Prohibition on Sale and Purchase of Controlled Goods) Regulations for RON95 petrol, which came into effect on April 1. The updated rules also impose stricter controls on the purchase of subsidized fuel in containers, a common method used in smuggling activities.

Police say the initiative is aimed at ensuring that government fuel subsidies reach only eligible recipients while preventing leakages that could impact national resources.

“Continuous monitoring, intelligence gathering, and cooperation with relevant agencies will remain key to strengthening enforcement efforts,” said Balveer Singh.

Members of the public are also encouraged to report any suspicious activities related to the misuse or illegal sale of subsidized fuel as authorities ramp up efforts to safeguard the country’s fuel subsidy system.