SEMPORNA: The Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry busted a suspected fuel smuggling syndicate when its enforcement officers raided a petrol station here on Thursday.
Acting on weeks of intelligence gathering, a team of five conducted the operation, codenamed Ops Tiris 3.0, around 9pm, which led to the arrest of a man believed to be part of the syndicate.
A lorry containing 120 jerry cans filled with an estimated 3,000 litres of subsidised petrol was seized.
The Ministry’s Semporna branch chief enforcement officer, Dr Jong Jee Leong, said the syndicate’s modus operandi involved using a lorry to refuel petrol at multiple stations before storing it in jerry cans for black market distribution.
“The seized lorry and 120 jerry cans, along with 3,000 litres of petrol, are valued at approximately RM53,369. The items have been confiscated for further investigation,” he said, Saturday.
Investigations are being conducted under the Control of Supplies Act 1961 [Act 122] to identify those involved and trace the distribution chain.
Dr Jong said the Ministry will continue collaborating with other enforcement agencies to eradicate such illegal activities and issued a stern warning about the severe penalties under the law.
“Those convicted under the Control of Supplies Act may face a fine of up to RM1 million for the first offence, and up to RM3 million for subsequent offences. Individuals may also face imprisonment of up to three years,” he said.
Companies found guilty of illegal fuel sales can be fined up to RM2 million for the first offence and up to RM5 million for subsequent offences.
Dr Jong added that the case is also being investigated under the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001 (AMLATFPUAA) [Act 613].
Offenders convicted under this law could face imprisonment of up to 15 years and a fine of at least five times the value of the illegal proceeds or RM5 million, whichever is higher.
Dr Jong urged members of the public to report any information on the misappropriation of controlled and subsidised goods in their area.
