SEREMBAN: Some 860,000 litres of subsidised diesel worth about RM2.5mil have been seized in Negri Sembilan since the launch of a special operation on March 1.
State Domestic Trade and Cost of Living director Muhammad Zahir Mazlan said the success was achieved following continuous operations under Ops Tiris and collaborations with several other enforcement agencies.
He warned those dealing with controlled and subsidised items to always adhere to regulations or face action under the Control of Supplies Act 1961.
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"In four recent operations, we seized 58,100 litres of diesel worth almost RM125,000 from three stations here and in Nilai and from unnumbered premises in Jalan Kuala Sawah Angsamas,” he said.
"Four men were detained for allegedly dealing with controlled items without having a valid licence or permit," added Muhammad Zahir in a statement on Tuesday (Oct 24).
He said the operations were carried out based on surveillance and public feedback.
This, he said, included inspecting lorries which had been frequenting these stations for diesel.
"Upon inspection, we found lorries which had been modified for the purpose of misappropriating subsidised diesel," he said.
Muhammad Zahir said enforcement teams scored another success during two operations on Saturday (Oct 21) and Monday (Oct 23) when they seized 5,201 litres of diesel worth some RM11,200 in Lukut, Port Dickson.
Also seized were two lorries and six intermediate bulk containers.
A suspect was also detained during the operations.
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"We will continue to monitor and collaborate with the relevant enforcement agencies to intensify and improve supervision of and operations on the distribution of controlled goods.
"There will be no compromise on law enforcement, especially in checking leakage and misappropriation of diesel and other controlled items," he said, adding that such illegal activities caused the government to lose revenue and must be stopped.
Muhammad Zahir urged anyone with information on such illicit activities to contact the ministry by sending a WhatsApp message to 019 279-4317/019 848-8000; or calling 1-800-886-800 or 03 8882-6245/6088.
They can also send an email to e-aduan@kpdn.gov.my.
