JOHOR BAHRU, April 25 2026– Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali carried out a monitoring visit to the Shell Austin petrol station in Taman Mount Austin here on April 23 to inspect operations and ensure full compliance with rules governing subsidised RON95 petrol.
The visit forms part of the ministry’s integrated enforcement operation, Ops Tiris 4.0, which targets the diversion, smuggling and leakage of subsidised petroleum products such as petrol and diesel, especially in high-risk border areas like Johor.
Accompanied by senior ministry officials and enforcement personnel, Armizan engaged directly with station staff, reviewed fuel dispensing procedures and emphasised the government’s zero-tolerance stance against any misuse of subsidies.
During a press conference held at the station, the minister announced that the government will fast-track legal action against syndicates and individuals involved in the smuggling and misappropriation of controlled goods, particularly fuel. The decision was made at a Supreme Committee for Inter-Agency Enforcement Coordination meeting on April 6.
“This approach aims to speed up action against those involved in the misappropriation and smuggling of controlled goods, especially fuel, as well as serve as a prevention and risk management mechanism,” Armizan said.
He added that Ops Tiris 4.0 (March 16 to April 22) recorded 20,020 inspections nationwide, resulting in 362 cases and 105 individuals detained. In Johor alone, 2,227 inspections led to 23 cases, 13 of which involved diesel.
The monitoring exercise at Shell Austin aligns with broader government efforts to rationalise fuel subsidies while protecting supplies for eligible local consumers. Restrictions on the sale of subsidised RON95 to foreign-registered vehicles, introduced on April 1, have heightened the need for stricter enforcement near the Malaysia-Singapore border.
The minister’s official X account (@Armizanofficial) later shared footage of the visit, captioned “Lawatan Pemantauan ke Stesen Minyak” (Monitoring Visit to Petrol Station), highlighting the on-ground commitment under #KPDN #RON95 #Opstiris.
KPDN continues to strengthen static enforcement at petrol stations, including the deployment of additional personnel in border and high-risk locations, to safeguard national fuel supply integrity.
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