KUALA LUMPUR: The Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry has received reports from petrol station owners allegedly being threatened and coerced to continue selling subsidised diesel to smuggling syndicates.
Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali said the syndicates had allegedly threatened to burn down petrol stations and damage facilities and intimidated the owners and their workers.
"Petrol stations owners, whether they are in the peninsula, Sabah, or Sarawak, should lodge reports with the ministry, and they should not be worried as the ministry will keep the information confidential.
"Some petrol station owners have chosen not to provide information or lodge a report with the police because they are afraid that doing so will lead to more threats against them and their workers," he said after officiating the 2024 National Intellectual Property Awards ceremony here today.
He said the purpose of these actions was to gather information and conduct investigation so that the ministry could enhance its enforcement and apprehend those involved in diesel smuggling.
"Smuggling and leakages are acts of sabotage against the government's efforts to alleviate the cost of living by providing fuel subsidies.
"The ministry and the police are gathering reports to investigate these cases."
In his speech at the event, Armizan said the Intellectual Property Corporation of Malaysia was offering a fee exemption for the preliminary opinion and search service for trademark registration.
This offer would be valid from April 24 to May 23, subject to terms and conditions.
He added that this aimed to encourage more trademark registrations and provide opportunities to entrepreneurs to protect their intellectual property rights.