GERIK: A total of 93,740 litres of subsidised diesel valued at RM283,375 was seized by the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry within a week on launching "Ops Tiris" on March 1.
The ministry's deputy director of enforcement (prevention) Aris Mamat (pic) said that during the same period, 21 cases of diesel misappropriation were detected through 168 operations and raids across the country.
Sarawak recorded the highest number with five cases followed by four in Negri Sembilan.
"The cases were detected at many levels including at the petrol stations themselves and also through wholesalers.
"They use regular vehicles such as cars and lorries to fill and store the diesel to avoid detection by the authorities," he told reporters after a special inspection at the Pengkalan Hulu Immigration, Customs, Quarantine and Security (ICQS) Complex here Thursday (March 9).
Aris said cheap prices and easy supply of diesel were among the main factors in an increase in its demand from industries.
"We have enhanced enforcement at all levels and localities, including the islands, industrial, urban and rural areas with international borders to curb the problem," he said.
The operation will run until Aug 31 to curb diesel subsidy leakages.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, when tabling Budget 2023, said the misappropriation of subsidised diesel was estimated at almost RM10bil last year. - Bernama
