SEMPORNA: The Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry (KPDN) Semporna Branch, in collaboration with the Kunak 22nd General Operations Force (PGA) Battalion, detained two men during Op Tiris 4.0 operation on Thursday after they were found filling diesel fuel into storage containers, in addition to the vehicle’s fuel tank.
KPDN Semporna Branch Chief Satunlucy Lamioh @ Lamidah said the raid, carried out by a Kunak PGA team at 4pm, followed preliminary information on the syndicate’s modus operandi - using jerry cans as storage containers placed in the back of an Isuzu D-Max pick-up to refuel diesel at several fuel stations around Semporna.
The suspects were detained for investigation under the Supply Control Act 1961 (Act 122).
“Upon further inspection of the vehicle, the raiding team discovered a total of about 550 litres of diesel stored in various jerry cans,” he said, Friday.
The truck and 22 jerry cans containing diesel were seized for further investigation. The total value of the seizure is estimated at RM21,279.25.
A 32-year-old local and another man holding an IMM13 document were detained to assist with the investigation.
“An investigation paper has been opened and further enquiries into this case are being conducted under the Supply Control Act 1961 [Act 122] to identify other individuals or companies involved in this activity,” he said.
KPDN issued a stern warning to any individuals or companies involved to always comply with the established laws.
Any individual committing an offence can face action under Act 122 and, if convicted, may be fined as follows:
i. Individuals: A fine not exceeding RM1,000,000 or imprisonment for not more than three years, or both. For a second or subsequent offence, a fine not exceeding RM3,000,000 or imprisonment for not more than five years, or both.
ii. Companies: A fine not exceeding RM2,000,000, while for a second or subsequent offence, a fine not exceeding RM5,000,000.
“KPDN will continue to intensify monitoring and enforcement to ensure that no parties take advantage by misappropriating subsidised controlled goods that should be enjoyed by the people,” he said.
Public members who have information regarding the misappropriation of controlled and subsidised goods can submit complaints to the Ministry through the following channels:
WhatsApp: 019-279 4317 / 019-848 8000, KPDN e-Complaint Portal:
http://eaduan.kpdn.gov.my, Call Centre: 1-800-886-800, or through the Ez ADU KPDN Smartphone Application.
