THE Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) has launched a major enforcement operation to clamp down on the misuse of subsidised liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), which costs the government RM3 billion annually.
The initiative, dubbed Ops Gasak, will begin on May 1 and involves collaboration with the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), Royal Malaysian Customs Department (JKDM), and the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC).
“This enforcement is crucial to ensure that LPG subsidies are enjoyed solely by the public and not exploited by ineligible sectors such as commercial laundromats,” said Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali during the launch of the KPDN’s 53rd Enforcement Day celebration in Putrajaya.
Armizan urged the public to be proactive in reporting any suspected misuse of subsidised LPG via official complaint platforms.
“Public participation is greatly appreciated to support enforcement efforts,” he added.
The minister also provided an update on ‘Ops Pantau’, an inspection campaign conducted from March 2 to 30 in the run-up to Hari Raya Aidilfitri.
A total of 70,906 inspections were carried out, resulting in 390 cases involving offences such as failure to display price tags and using expired weighing equipment.
Authorities say Ops Gasak represents a broader commitment to ensuring government assistance is not diverted for commercial gain, maintaining fairness in resource distribution during a time of heightened cost-of-living concerns. – April 18, 2025