KPDN’s Ops Tiris 4.0 has resulted in RM59.9 million in seizures and 514 arrests, with 23 cases prosecuted and 248 compounded as of Oct 20.
KUALA LUMPUR: Authorities have recorded 1,542 cases involving seizures worth RM59.9 million and arrested 514 individuals since the nationwide crackdown under Ops Tiris 4.0 (Bersepadu) began on March 16.
Deputy Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Dr Fuziah Salleh said the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry (KPDN) had conducted 125,690 inspections under the operation, which involved nine enforcement agencies.
“The total number of inspections conducted by KPDN was 125,690, with 1,542 cases recorded overall, seizures valued at RM59.9 million and 514 individuals arrested,” she told the Dewan Rakyat today.
Fuziah said enforcement along land borders had resulted in 357 cases involving seizures worth RM10.77 million, while maritime operations recorded 272 cases involving seizures valued at RM12.29 million.
She was responding to Datuk Seri Sh Mohmed Puzi Sh Ali (BN-Pekan), who sought details on enforcement outcomes, weaknesses in border controls and measures to dismantle smuggling syndicates.
In a supplementary question, Mohmed Puzi asked how many cases had resulted in prosecutions or compounds.
Fuziah said 23 cases had been brought to court as of Oct 20, while another 248 had resulted in compounds.
“Across all the agencies involved, 23 cases have been prosecuted in court as of Oct 20, while 248 cases have been compounded.
“The total value of fines imposed was RM290,000, while compounds amounted to RM950,900. The remaining cases are still under investigation,” she said.
Explaining the establishment of the operation, Fuziah said the Cabinet had decided on March 11 to set up a high-level inter-agency coordination committee amid concerns that the conflict in West Asia could increase risks to the supply of subsidised goods.
The committee held its first meeting on March 16, chaired by the Second Deputy Prime Minister, five days after the Cabinet’s decision.
Under the coordinated operation, KPDN oversees domestic enforcement, while the Royal Malaysia Police, General Operations Force and Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS) handle land-border operations.
Maritime enforcement is carried out by the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency and the Marine Police.
On the causes of persistent smuggling, Fuziah said Malaysia’s previous blanket subsidy system had created opportunities for leakages, particularly when subsidised goods were significantly cheaper than those sold in neighbouring countries.
“Previously, weaknesses in the blanket subsidy system made it easier for leakages to occur, especially when market prices in neighbouring countries were higher than those of our subsidised controlled goods.
“By moving from blanket subsidies to targeted subsidies and combining them with integrated enforcement operations, we can better control these leakages,” she said.
Fuziah cited initiatives such as BUDI Diesel, BUDI95, the Subsidised Diesel Control System (SKDS), the Subsidised Petrol Control System (SKPS) and targeted subsidies for packaged cooking oil as measures to address the problem.
She stressed that cooperation among enforcement agencies remained essential to tightening border controls and preventing subsidised goods from being diverted into illegal markets.