SANDAKAN: The Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry (KPDN) seized a three-tonne box truck carrying 1,000 litres of diesel, suspected of being misappropriated, along Jalan Utara, here, Wednesday.
Sandakan KPDN Chief Azdy Zukkry John said the seizure was made at 4.30pm under “Ops Tiris 3.0.”
“However, the truck driver managed to escape,” he said.
An inspection found approximately 1,000 litres of diesel stored in one of the three intermediate bulk container (IBC) tanks in the truck’s cargo space.
The inspection also found the truck’s fuel tank had been modified, believed to be for filling diesel purchased from petrol stations.
“This modification is suspected to be for misappropriation and reselling.”
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The truck was seized along with the diesel, estimated to be worth RM2,150, with the total estimated value of the seizure being RM48,500.
Azdy said the detention resulted from intelligence, and the syndicate’s modus operandi involved using modified trucks with additional tanks.
“The modified truck would fill up with diesel at several petrol stations before selling it on the black market,” he said.
Azdy said the case would be investigated under the Supply Control Act 1961, focusing on identifying the individuals or companies involved and the chain of supply and distribution of subsidised diesel.
Under the Act, the offence carries a fine of up to RM1 million, or a jail term of up to three years, or both, upon conviction.
The penalty for the second or subsequent offence is a fine not exceeding RM3 million or imprisonment not exceeding three years, or both.
If companies are convicted, the penalty is a fine not exceeding RM2 million and, for subsequent offences, a fine not exceeding RM5 million.
Azdy reminded petrol station operators to only sell subsidised petrol and diesel to buyers with written permission from KPDN.
On Thursday, it was reported that KPDN seized 4,000 litres of diesel valued at RM104,500 at a store in front of SJK(C) Kuok Ming, Jalan Sin San, Pasir Putih, Tawau, on Wednesday.
In the 2.20pm raid, a KPDN team seized 4,000 litres of diesel – 2,000 litres in 18 drums and another 2,000 in a trailer tank.
Sabah KPDN Director Georgie Abas said a 31-year-old local, believed to be a storekeeper, was arrested and his statement taken.
Georgie also said the premises had no valid permission or licence to store diesel.
Any complaints regarding the misappropriation of controlled and subsidised goods can be directed to the Ministry via WhatsApp at
https://www.wasap.my/60192794317 0192794317 or 0198488000, in addition to the complaints portal:
http://eaduan.kpdn.gov.my or Call Centre 1800886800.
Complaints can also be submitted via email to
[email protected] or through the Ez Adu KPDN application, the Enforcement Command Centre: 038882 6088 / 6245, or by official letter to the nearest KPDN office.
