Smuggled goods: Enforcement officers inspecting the skid tanks where the misappropriated diesel was stored.
KOTA KINABALU: Enforcement authorities seized 29,000 litres of subsidised diesel in an operation in Tuaran, 35km from here.
Personnel from the district Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry unit also detained two locals at an unnumbered storage facility in Kampung Lok Batik at 10.30am on Thursday.
Enforcement chief Saripuddin Moleng said his men raided the facility after staking out the place for a week.
He said the diesel was stored in several skid tanks, adding that an electronic pump was also seized.
“The diesel and the other seized items are valued at RM107,000. The two suspects, who we believe were working there, told us the diesel was obtained through legitimate industry diesel suppliers,” he said.
Saripuddin said the men, however, could not show proof that the diesel was allowed to be stored there.
The case is being investigated under Section 21 of the Control of Supplies Act 1961.
The case will also be probed under Section 20(1) of the same Act for storing goods at a location without approval by the authorities.
Under the Control of Supplies Act 1961 (Act 122), those convicted can be fined a maximum RM1mil, while any subsequent offence can lead to a fine of up to RM3mil, three years’ jail or both.
As for companies, Saripuddin said offenders could be subjected to a maximum fine of RM2mil, and a maximum RM5mil fine for subsequent offences.
He warned that the ministry would not hesitate to suspend the licences of petrol stations suspected of being involved in abuses.
Saripuddin urged those with information on such activities to report the matter to the ministry via WhatsApp at 019-279 4317 or 019-848 8000, calling 1-800 886 800 or the Enforcement Command Centre at 03-8882 6088/6245.
The public may also file complaints through e-aduan.kpdnhep.gov.my or email e-aduan@kpdn hep.gov.my.
