IPOH: Some 5,000 litres of subsidised diesel worth RM261,850 was seized by the Perak Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry during a raid at an illegal store in Pantai Remis.
Its director Datuk Kamalludin Ismail said the enforcement team from Manjung raided the hidden store at about 6pm on Tuesday (Nov 14).
He said the team had been monitoring the tanker driver suspected of buying subsidised diesel around the Pantai Remis, Beruas and Taiping gas stations using a modified tank.
“After tracking the truck, the intelligence team managed to locate the illegal store, where the transfers of the subsidised diesel fuel were made to other buyers,” said Kamalludin.
He added that workers inside the store were busy transferring liquid believed to be diesel into two different tanker lorries when the raid was carried out.
Kamaluddin said that the transfer is believed to be for deliveries to buyers for a cheaper price compared to the market rate for commercial or industrial use.
“The two workers aged 48 and 58 were unable to produce any licences or permits for the handling of the controlled diesel,” he said in a statement on Wednesday (Nov 15).
Kamalludin added that both workers have been arrested for further investigations, and the case would be investigated under the Control of Supplies Act 1961, and under the Control of Supply Regulations 1974.
“We are committed and consistent in enforcement activities, and we will never compromise when it comes to misappropriation of subsidised diesel, an item listed as a controlled good,” he said.
Kamaluddin added that the public can relay any information on such activities via WhatsApp to 019-279 4317/ 019-848 8000, or visit the complaints portal at e-aduan@kpdn.gov.my
“We are hoping the public can be our eyes and ears to provide us information in regards to such illegal activities,” he said.
