KUCHING: The establishment of the integrated OPS TIRIS 4.0 Task Force for Sabah, the Federal Territory of Labuan and Sarawak is seen as a proactive measure by the government in addressing subsidy leakage and controlling price increases, especially involving fuel.

Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said that the current pressure on price increases is due to the increase in oil costs which has a knock-on effect on the prices of other goods.

According to him, when fuel prices increase, energy costs also increase in turn, causing the prices of goods that depend on fuel consumption to be affected.

“This situation requires close monitoring by the government through enforcement units to ensure that there is no price manipulation by irresponsible parties,” he said.

He said this at a press conference on the organisation of the Teresa Teng 31st Memorial Tribute Concert 2026 on Tuesday.

He added that the Federal Government's move to coordinate various enforcement agencies including the military and police in OPS TIRIS 4.0 is appropriate in reinforcing control, especially in border areas.

He explained that the difference in the price of goods and fuel between Malaysia and neighboring countries has the potential to encourage smuggling activities, thus affecting domestic supply.

"If border control is not implemented effectively, subsidised goods can be smuggled out and this will cause a shortage of supply in the country and derail the government's efforts to help the people," he said.

In this regard, Dato Sri Abdul Karim stressed that the effectiveness of subsidy policies not only depends on planning, but also on the level of implementation and integrity of the enforcement team.

"Although we have good subsidies of various kinds, without effective enforcement, it can affect the entire system," he explained.

Meanwhile, he also stated fuel prices in Malaysia are still at a controlled level compared to other countries, showing that the nation is in stable condition.

He described the government's initiative to strengthen monitoring and enforcement through OPS TIRIS 4.0 reflecting a proactive approach in ensuring that subsidies and price controls truly benefit the people and are not misused. -UKASnews

Prepared By: Ezzah Syafiqah
Photo: George S. Embie
Translator: Nerissa Sia