SANDAKAN: Two men were detained after enforcement officers from the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) seized 120 litres of subsidised diesel during a raid on a petrol kiosk, here, Friday.
The operation, carried out under Ops Tiris 4.0 at around 11.12am, resulted in the confiscation of diesel stored in seven jerry cans and transported using a four-wheel-drive vehicle. The estimated seizure amounted to RM70, 258.
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Sandakan KPDN District Chief Enforcement Officer Joe Azmi Jamil said initial checks revealed that neither suspect possessed the necessary authorisation or permit to purchase subsidised diesel in such quantities.
“The duo, aged 34 and 49, one a local and the other a foreigner, did not hold any permission or permit to buy subsidised diesel in that quantity,” he said in a statement.
The raid follows the implementation of new diesel sales controls under Ops Tiris 4.0, which took effect on April 1, specifically for Sabah, Sarawak and Labuan.
Under the directive, sales of diesel to land transport vehicles are capped at 50, 100 and 150 litres per transaction depending on vehicle category. The controls are aimed at preventing abuse of subsidised diesel, which is priced at RM2.15 per litre.
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Both suspects, along with the petrol station operator involved, are being investigated under the Control of Supplies Act 1961.
Those convicted under the Act face fines of up to RM1 million, imprisonment of up to three years, or both. Repeat offenders face fines of up to RM3 million or up to five years in jail.
Companies found guilty may be fined up to RM2 million for a first offence and up to RM5 million for subsequent offences.
The Ministry reminded all petrol kiosk operators to fully comply with the regulations, including the prohibition on selling RON95 petrol and subsidised diesel to buyers without written authorisation from the Controller of Supplies Malaysia.
The Sandakan branch said monitoring and inspections under Ops Tiris 4.0 will continue to be intensified to curb misuse of controlled goods in the district.
Those with information on suspected subsidy abuse may contact the Ministry via WhatsApp at 019-848 8000, the e-Aduan KPDN portal, the toll-free hotline at 1-800-886-800, or the Ez ADU KPDN app.
The public is also reminded to verify information before sharing it and to avoid spreading unverified claims that could cause unnecessary public alarm.
