KOTA KINABALU: Three people have been detained for the misappropriation of more than 15,000 litres of diesel in an operation by the Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry in Penampang near here.
Officers from the ministry had staked out an unnumbered house in Kampung Kibabaig for five days before raiding the location at about 5.30pm on Wednesday (Sept 28).
The state ministry’s director Georgie Abas said his men found approximately 15,683 litres of diesel that were kept inside a skid tank.
“We also seized other items such as a lorry and an electronic pump, among others, all of which were valued at RM114,018,” he said in a statement on Thursday (Sept 29).
“Three local men, who were believed to be working at the site when the raid was carried out, were also picked up to help in the probe,” he added.
He said the suspects failed to produce the necessary papers or licence for them to keep the controlled item at the location.
Georgie said the case was being investigated under Section 21 of the Control of Supplies Act 1961 for having controlled goods and intending to commit an offence as well as not having a valid licence.
He added the case will also be probed under Section 20(1) of the same Act for storing the goods at a location without the proper approval by the authorities.
Under the Control of Supplies Act 1961 (Act 122), he explained that anyone found guilty will be liable to a maximum RM1mil fine, further fines of up to RM3mil for any subsequent offence, or three years’ imprisonment, or both.
As for companies, he said, those proven to have violated the law can be subjected to a maximum fine of RM2mil, as well as a maximum RM5mil for any subsequent offence.
Georgie warned the ministry will also not hesitate to suspend the licences of fuel stations that were suspected of being involved in misappropriation until the probe is completed.
“The ministry will continue to monitor the situation closely, as well as carry out regular inspections to prevent the misappropriation of subsidised fuel in Sabah,” he said.
He urged those with information on such activities to report the matter to the ministry via WhatsApp at 019-279 4317 or 019-848 8000 or contact its call centre at 1-800 886 800 or its enforcement command centre at 03-8882 6088/6245.
He added the public may also file online complaints through e-aduan.kpdnhep.gov.my, or email to e-aduan@kpdnhep.gov.my, or they can choose to visit the nearest ministry office.
