This results in daily losses of RM4.5 million, says domestic trade and cost of living minister Armizan Mohd Ali.

Sinar Harian reported the minister as saying that this figure was derived from an internationally published study by the EU-Asean Business Council.

Armizan said 5,927 inspections were carried out nationwide last year at petrol stations, retailers, manufacturers, quarries, control posts and other premises.

“A total of 6,441,118 litres of diesel worth RM14.2 million was seized. The value of non-diesel materials seized was RM42.1 million.

“We arrested 554 local people, 112 foreigners and two permanent residents for various offences.

“In Sabah, 1,026 inspections were carried out. In 32 cases, we seized items worth RM1.05 million,” he said at a press conference in Kota Kinabalu.

Armizan said during Ops Tiris 3.0, which was carried out from Jan 1 to Feb 15, a total of 3,257 inspections were carried out nationwide by enforcement teams.

“This resulted in seizures, valued at RM5.15 million, of diesel, RON95 petrol, liquefied petroleum gas, cooking oil and sugar.”

Armizan warned smugglers that the government is now focused on stopping all subsidy leakages.

“These leakages are a major issue that have robbed the needy of their rights.”