KOTA KINABALU – Police personnel will be deployed at petrol stations as part of efforts to expand the static placement of enforcement officers from the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry (KPDN) to combat petrol and diesel leakages.
Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali said the initiative was decided during a Cabinet meeting last Wednesday.
He said the move aims to strengthen monitoring and enforcement following increased risks of fuel leakages amid the global energy crisis triggered by conflicts in West Asia.
“Since March 20, KPDN enforcement officers have been periodically stationed at petrol stations around border areas nationwide.
“Following the presentation of a report by the Inter-Agency Enforcement Coordination High-Level Committee on Combating Leakages and Smuggling (JTPAP) at the National Economic Action Council (MTEN) meeting, it was found that there is a need to expand static monitoring coverage to all petrol stations near borders and other high-risk areas,” he said.
He was speaking to reporters during the Inisiatif Ihsan Food Bank (i-FB) Santuni Komuniti @ Dapur Kita programme with KPDN here.
Armizan said assistance from the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) is needed due to limited KPDN enforcement resources and the growing demand for closer monitoring of supply status and prices of goods nationwide following the conflict.
“The ongoing energy crisis is also expected to impact the supply chain of food and goods, particularly imported sources.
“The first phase, from March 20 to April 10, 2026, involved static deployment of KPDN enforcement officers at 87 petrol stations, and will be followed by an additional 70 stations in phase two starting next week, which will involve police personnel.
“We will continue to monitor risks and the need for broader expansion from time to time,” he said.
Meanwhile, he added that the ministry is also planning to involve the People’s Volunteer Corps (Rela) in the initiative.
“I have discussed with the Home Minister the possibility of involving Rela volunteers in the static monitoring process at these petrol stations,” he said.