SEREMBAN: Two friends have been fined a total of RM100,000 by the Sessions Court here for being in possession and dealing with subsidised diesel without having a valid licence.
The duo lost another RM135,000 which was derived from the sale of diesel seized from their premises and another RM31,000 they had in their possession during a raid by Domestic Trade and Cost of Living department officials after the court ordered that the monies be forfeited.
State domestic trade and cost of living director Muhammad Zahir Mazlan said the duo had pleaded guilty when charged before Judge Mazni Nawi.
"The duo neither had approval from us nor a licence to deal with the diesel which is a controlled item under the law.
"They had pleaded guilty to committing the offence and were subsequently fined RM50,000 each in default three months jail," he said in a statement.
Muhammad Zahir said the duo had violated rule 3(1) of the Control of Supplies Regulations 1974 for operating the business without a licence or written approval.
This he said was an offence under Section 21 of the Control of Supplies Act 1961.
He said the department will continue to work closely with other enforcement agencies to monitor the distribution of controlled goods.
"There will be no compromise when it comes to enforcing the law.
"This is crucial to check leakage and misappropriation of controlled items such as diesel as such illegal activities can cause huge losses to the country," he said.
Muhammad also reminded all those authorised to deal with subsidised and controlled items to always comply with the existing legislation.
He said anyone with information on such activities can contact the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry by sending a WhatsApp message to 019 848-8000, calling 1-800-886-800 or sending the complaint to e-aduan.kpdn.gov.my.
