KUALA LUMPUR, April 16 (Xinhua) -- Malaysia has increased enforcement efforts to stem the smuggling of subsidized fuel out of the country, particularly at fuel stations near the country's borders, the country's police said on Wednesday.
The enforcement efforts will include the General Operations Force (GOF) who will monitor 36 filling stations that have been classified as hotspots and another 55 at-risk locations, with the operation being under the oversight of the Internal Security and Public Order Department of the Royal Malaysian Police, the department's acting director Fisol Salleh said in a statement.
"This step is part of integrated efforts, in cooperation with the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living, to strengthen control and enforcement in border areas, ensure the distribution of subsidized fuel to eligible groups, and prevent leakage that could affect national interests," he said, adding that the current high price of fuel is driving smuggling activities.
The police will continue to improve operational effectiveness through continuous monitoring, risk assessment and strategic collaboration with related agencies to combat all forms of misuse and smuggling of subsidized fuel, he said. ■
