In the dynamic landscape of Sarawak’s development, the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) plays a pivotal role in ensuring fair trade practices and safeguarding the welfare of the people. This month has seen significant developments within the KPDN, reflecting their commitment to efficient governance and proactive measures.
Strengthening Partnerships for Gas Distribution
On February 9 2024, YB Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali, Minister of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living, engaged in a crucial dialogue with Sarawak’s Minister of Utilities and Telecommunications, YB Dato Sri Haji Julaihi Bin Haji Narawi. Their discussions included regulating gas distribution activities, including natural gas and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). Notably, the Sarawak government has assumed complete control over these activities since the enforcement of the Gas Distribution Ordinance 2016 (DGO 2016) on June 1, 2021. The handover of responsibilities to the Sarawak Ministry of Utilities and Telecommunications marks a strategic move to enhance local autonomy and governance.
Minister Armizan expressed KPDN’s commitment to collaborating with the Sarawak Ministry, offering support in training and advocacy to boost capacity and enforcement mechanisms. Notably, the focus is on addressing the issue of subsidy leakage concerning natural gas. KPDN has also affirmed its readiness to participate in integrated enforcement operations initiated by the Sarawak Ministry.
Ops Tiris: Combatting Fuel Misappropriation
A major highlight on February 12 2024, was the revelation by Sarawak’s Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living regarding the successful enforcement of Ops Tiris. The operation, conducted from March to December 2023, targeted the misappropriation of subsidised diesel fuel. A total of 121 cases were recorded involving the misappropriation of a staggering 6,554,327 litres of subsidised diesel fuel, estimated at RM7 million.
KPDN Enforcement Officers, in their 991 inspections of petrol stations and diesel oil wholesalers, ensured compliance with the Supply Act 1961 and its regulations. A noteworthy case involved the interception of a ship in the Barrage Sea area, Sarawak River, confiscating 430,000 litres of diesel oil valued at RM924,500. Two individuals were arrested, signalling KPDN’s unwavering commitment to curbing illegal activities in the fuel distribution chain.
Local Branch Vigilance: Bintulu Operations
Moving on to February 19 2024, KPDN’s Bintulu Branch demonstrated its dedication to ensuring compliance with trade regulations. The branch reported 86 offences in 2023, with a confiscation value RM1,310,038.00. Operations involved inspecting 6,894 premises, focusing on high prices, absence of price tags, inaccurate scales, halal rule violations, counterfeit goods, and misappropriation of subsidized goods, mainly diesel fuel.
In February 2024 alone, the Bintulu Branch inspected 1,200 premises, resulting in nine cases and a confiscation value of RM63,016.50. The ongoing Operation Tiris, initiated in March 2023, aims to staunch the leakage of diesel subsidies in the Bintulu Division, reinforcing KPDN’s commitment to fair trade practices and subsidy integrity.
In conclusion, the month has showcased KPDN’s multifaceted approach, ranging from high-level policy discussions to on-the-ground enforcement activities. These efforts underscore the Ministry’s dedication to fostering a transparent and accountable trade environment, essential for Sarawak’s sustainable development. The collaborative spirit between KPDN and other government bodies reflects a united front in ensuring the people’s well-being and the region’s prosperity.
