The domestic trade and cost of living minister said that from March 16 to April 22, a total of 20,020 inspections were conducted nationwide, resulting in 362 cases and the arrest of 105 people.
“Of these, diesel and petrol misappropriation recorded the highest number of cases,” he said in a statement.
He said 157 cases involving the misappropriation of diesel were recorded, followed by petrol with 78 cases, liquefied petroleum gas (49), cooking oil (42), sugar (26), and wheat flour (10).
Armizan added that of the total inspections carried out, 2,227 inspections were in Johor, where 23 cases were recorded. Diesel-related offences were the highest number with 13 cases, followed by two cases involving petrol misappropriation.
He added that the High-Level Inter-Agency Coordination Committee to Combat Leakage and Smuggling had on April 6 agreed that the entire legal process involving offences under the Control of Supplies Act 1961 be expedited, covering the investigation, prosecution, and court hearing stages.
“This approach is intended to strengthen enforcement in addressing the leakage of controlled goods, particularly petrol and diesel, ensuring that those responsible are brought to justice as quickly as possible,” he said.
Armizan added that following the decision, the ministry engaged relevant stakeholders and received positive responses from the Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC) and the office of the chief registrar of the Federal Court.
Additionally, the ministry has refined SOPs for cases referred from other agencies to its enforcement division, to ensure investigation papers are completed promptly and submitted to the AGC without delay.
Among the proposals are judicial reforms, including fast-track channels, designated judges, and better coordination of case management teams across agencies to speed up hearings and resolve cases within a reasonable timeframe.
“Priority will be given to prosecuting cartel and syndicate cases, alongside targeted approaches, such as plea bargaining for minor offences,” Armizan said.
These measures aim to strengthen and expedite prosecutions more effectively, while sending a clear signal that misappropriation and smuggling of controlled goods will not be tolerated.