Kota Kinabalu: More than 16,000 litres of petrol and diesel worth about RM120,000 were seized in two major suspected fuel misappropriation cases in Semporna and Tuaran.
In Semporna, marine police raided an unnumbered house in Kampung Mesra that was believed to be used to store siphoned petrol. Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry (KPDN) officials said Friday the raiding team seized 7,850 litres of petrol kept in 314 jerrycans.
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They also confiscated two speedboats with 200HP outboard engines, bringing the total value of the seizure to RM63,208.60.
The officials said two investigation papers have been opened under the Control of Supplies Act 1961 after the case was handed over to the Ministry by the police.
Meanwhile, KPDN, in a statement, issued a stern warning to any individuals or companies to always comply with the stipulated laws.
Any individual committing an offence can face action under Act 122 and, if convicted, may be fined up to RM1,000,000 for first offence and up to RM3,000,000 or imprisonment for not more than three years, or both, for subsequent offences.
For companies, it carried a fine not exceeding RM2,000,000 for the first offence and for a second or subsequent offence, a fine not exceeding RM5,000,000, upon conviction.
Members of the public who have information regarding the misappropriation of controlled and subsidised goods can file complaints with the Ministry through WhatsApp at 019-848 8000, call centre at 1-800-886-800, or through the Ez ADU KPDN application.
Meanwhile, in Tuaran, KPDN enforcement officers raided a quarry and seized 8,155 litres of diesel stored illegally in a skid tank at Kampung Kindu.
The operation followed three days of surveillance under Ops Tiris 4.0, the officials said, adding that the total value of the seizure came to RM54,093.10.
One worker at the site was detained to help with investigations, Tuaran ministry branch chief Fredlee Sintau said.
He said the premises failed to produce valid permits for storing controlled goods.
