Kuala lumpur: The Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) will implement the installation of closed-circuit television (CCTV) at petrol stations identified as high-risk areas for the misappropriation of subsidised RON95 petrol. KPDN Enforcement director-general Datuk Azman Adam said the initiative was aimed at enabling more effective monitoring, as footage would be channelled directly to the KPDN enforcement control centre and state offices.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the pilot phase of the CCTV installation is being carried out in stages in collaboration with industry players, particularly in areas identified as 'hotspots', including states bordering neighbouring countries. Datuk Azman Adam stated that this year will see a more intensive adoption of CCTV technology to address issues of leakage and misappropriation more effectively.
Azman explained that syndicates misappropriate subsidised RON95 petrol through repeated purchases at petrol stations and by using modified vehicles with additional tanks. In response, KPDN is closely monitoring Point of Sale (POS) data and retail trends at petrol stations. If anomalies or unusual purchasing patterns are detected, the system will trigger a red flag, prompting immediate deployment of auditing and tactical teams to the location.
According to Azman, integrated operations are conducted periodically, particularly in border areas and locations identified as fuel misappropriation hotspots. This approach aims to ensure stricter monitoring and close any gaps for syndicates to carry out smuggling activities.
Meanwhile, cases involving the misuse of RON95 petrol have decreased, with 1,300 cases recorded in 2025 compared to 1,713 cases in 2024. This reduction follows KPDN's stern warnings, suspension of licences for complicit petrol station operators, and increased awareness among retailers. Azman emphasized that KPDN would continue strengthening enforcement to ensure that subsidised RON95 petrol is enjoyed only by Malaysians.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had previously called on all government agencies and machinery to be firmer and more vigilant in enforcing measures to curb any form of RON95 misappropriation.