THE nation’s integrated enforcement operation Ops Tiris 3.0 has successfully curbed the misappropriation of subsidised controlled goods, with data showing a consistent decline in cases, seizure values and public complaints over the past two years.
Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry enforcement director-general Datuk Azman Adam said the trend underscored the ministry’s continued commitment to safeguarding government subsidies from abuse, particularly involving diversion and smuggling activities in high-risk border areas.
According to Azman, Ops Tiris 3.0 recorded 43,444 inspections nationwide in 2024, resulting in 2,738 cases, 621 arrests and seizures valued at RM91.59 million.
“In 2025, although inspections increased to 47,206, the number of cases dropped by 14.2 per cent to 2,348, while the total value of seizures declined by 10.8 per cent to RM81.69 million.
“Enforcement momentum continued into early 2026, with 3,237 inspections conducted as of January, leading to 183 cases, 39 arrests and seizures amounting to RM5.73 million,” he told reporters after an official working visit to Rantau Panjang on Sunday.
Azman said commodity-based analysis showed petrol, diesel and cooking oil remained the most frequently misused controlled items, but cases involving all three commodities had declined steadily.
He said petrol-related cases fell from 969 in 2024 to 797 in 2025, with 49 cases recorded as of January 2026.
Diesel cases declined from 744 to 503 over the same period, while cooking oil cases dropped from 479 to 404.
“Beyond prosecution and compounds, firm action has also been taken, including the revocation and suspension of wholesale and retail licences, as well as the suspension of Cooking Oil Price Stabilisation Scheme quotas for packaging companies found to be in breach,” he said.
Azman added that enforcement had been strengthened through forensic audits of supply chains, the use of an upgraded eCOSS system for real-time monitoring, and tighter control over the distribution of packet cooking oil via zonal mechanisms and purchase limits.
He said the effectiveness of Ops Tiris was also reflected in the sharp reduction in public complaints involving subsidised controlled goods, which fell from 1,460 cases in 2024 to 1,399 in 2025, before dropping significantly to 115 complaints as of January 2026.
Azman said the ministry would continue to reinforce its integrated enforcement strategy to ensure government subsidies reach their intended recipients and are not siphoned off by irresponsible parties. - February 1, 2026
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