IPOH: A 41-year-old lorry driver has been arrested at a petrol station in Pusing for misappropriation of subsidised diesel.
Perak Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry director Saifullizan Kamarul Zaman said the man was arrested on Wednesday (Aug 10) at about 2.30pm following a tip off and two weeks of investigations.
"We inspected the lorry that was covered with a canvas and found two huge plastic tanks.
"The existing tank on the vehicle had been modified to connect to the two tanks," he said in a statement on Thursday (Aug 11).
"The lorry driver also did not have any permit to buy the diesel, which is a controlled item," he said, adding that about 1,400 litres of diesel worth about RM14,160 had been seized.
Saifullizan said action was also taken against the petrol station operator for selling the diesel to the lorry driver.
"The petrol station is not allowed to sell diesel or petrol of any grades except for vehicles with its original tank or those that have been approved and to those who have permit from the Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry," he said, adding that the matter would be investigated under the Supply Control Act and Control of Supply Regulations.
"The public and petrol station operators are reminded that anyone who wishes to buy petrol or diesel for other reasons aside from filling up their vehicles, need a special permit from the Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry.
"Information involving suspicious activities can be forwarded to any nearest Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry branches to combat these frauds and to prevent abuse of government subsidies," he added.
The Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry can be reached on WhatsApp at 019-279 4317 or 019-848 8000, e-aduan.kpdnhep.gov.my, 1-800-886-800 or through smart phone all Ez ADU KPDNHEP.
