KUALA LUMPUR 12 March 2026 (The Capital Post)- The General Operations Force (GOF) has activated a special border task force to strengthen enforcement and prevent fuel smuggling following rising global oil prices linked to escalating tensions in the Middle East.
Authorities said the move aims to tighten monitoring along Malaysia’s borders, particularly in areas prone to smuggling activities where subsidised fuel is often transported illegally to neighbouring countries.
The heightened enforcement comes as global oil prices have surged above US$1a00 per barrel, increasing the risk of smuggling due to the significant price difference between Malaysia’s subsidised fuel and higher market prices in nearby countries.
The task force will focus on surveillance, intelligence gathering and joint enforcement operations to detect and stop illegal cross-border fuel movements. Officers will also conduct patrols and inspections at identified hotspots where smuggling activities are known to occur.
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Authorities noted that Malaysia’s subsidised petrol, particularly RON95, remains cheaper than fuel sold in neighbouring countries, creating incentives for syndicates to purchase the fuel domestically and smuggle it abroad for profit.
The government has emphasised that stronger enforcement is necessary to prevent subsidy leakages and ensure that fuel subsidies benefit Malaysians as intended.
Officials added that the intensified operations are part of broader measures to safeguard domestic fuel supply and maintain price stability for consumers amid uncertainty in global energy markets caused by the ongoing Middle East conflict.-The Capital Post
