KUDAT: A fresh diesel seizure in Kudat is sending a clear signal that enforcement against the misappropriation of controlled goods – particularly fuel – is intensifying across Sabah.
Kudat Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) Chief Enforcement Officer Nazatul Shima Karim said a four-wheel-drive Toyota Hilux driven by a local man was intercepted on Wednesday along the main road between Karakit and Batu Layar on Pulau Banggi. Inspections revealed four drums containing 800 litres of diesel.
Advertisement
_E.jpg)
The case is being investigated under the Control of Supplies Act 1961. The suspect has been detained, while the vehicle and diesel – with an estimated total value of RM81,720 – were seized for further investigation.
Nazatul said the operation was carried out by the Kudat KPDN branch in collaboration with the Marine Police, Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), and the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (APMM) Kudat Maritime Zone.
She explained that the integrated operation focused on curbing the misappropriation of controlled goods, particularly petrol and diesel, in Sabah’s maritime areas.
The enforcement effort also forms part of the Government’s Movement to Combat Manipulation and Leakage (Gempur), as well as Ops Tiris 4.0 for 2026.
Advertisement
Nazatul stressed that such operations are crucial in addressing fuel leakage, which has a direct impact on the national economy and public welfare. She added that the Kudat KPDN branch welcomes public cooperation in channelling information on such activities through its official complaint platforms.
In SEMPORNA, a man was detained for transporting a large quantity of petrol without valid documentation during an integrated operation in the district’s waters on the same day.
According to a statement by the 22nd Battalion of the General Operations Force (PGA) Kunak, the operation – Op Taring Esszone (Op Taring Bravo 1) – was conducted by the Komtak Mabul team in collaboration with the KPDN Semporna branch following intelligence gathering.
Authorities intercepted a suspicious boat and conducted an inspection on a man onboard. Initial checks found that the suspect failed to produce valid identification documents.
A further search uncovered 69 gallons filled with petrol and an additional gallon containing a mixture of petrol and 2T oil. The suspect was also unable to provide any approval documents for storing, possessing, or transporting the materials.
He was subsequently detained along with the seized items, which are estimated to be worth RM75,000. The case is also being investigated under the Control of Supplies Act 1961.
The 22nd Battalion PGA Kunak reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening intelligence operations and combating illegal activities in the Esszone to ensure the safety of national waters.
