TUMPAT: Diesel sales have nearly halved since the government introduced fuel subsidy rationalisation in June.

Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry deputy director-general (prevention) Aris Mamat said many petrol stations, particularly in border areas, experienced a 50 per cent reduction in diesel sales.

"Diesel sales at several petrol stations in the country, especially those located near the border, have decreased by 50 per cent since the government introduced the fuel subsidy rationalisation on June 10.

"Surveillance at certain petrol stations indicates that sales have continued to drop and have fallen to half, or 50 per cent.

"This also indicates that less diesel is being smuggled out of the country, and that the diesel subsidy rationalisation has achieved its goal..

"More diesel is now reaching the targeted group and the government has managed to reduce fuel misappropriation," he said at a joint press conference between the ministry and marine police in Pengkalan Kubor here today.

Present was federal marine police commander Senior Assistant Commissioner Norzaid Muhammad Said.

Aris said the ministry would not compromise with any individual found to misuse the controlled 1kg cooking oil in polybags by selling them via online.

He said the ministry would continue to monitor online cooking oil sales activities.

"Although sales (of the 1kg cooking oil in polybags online) are still under control, the ministry warns that selling subsidised cooking oil without a valid licence is an offence.

"Action can be taken under the Control of Supplies Act 1961.".

It was reported yesterday that a man was arrested for selling large quantities of subsidised cooking oil on social media. 

According to the Sabah Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry, he used a house in Taman Hings, Jalan Kobusak, as a storage facility.

He was arrested during Op Tiris, which was carried out around 7pm by Sabah Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry, following a tip-off from the public.

It is learnt that the case was the latest detected by the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry involving the online sale of cooking oil.

Two cases have been reported in Kelantan by the ministry recently, involving the arrests of two men.

https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2024/10/1116701/diesel-sales-border-areas-drop-nearly-50pc