PETALING JAYA: Enforcement officers seized over 13,000 litres of subsidised diesel from illegal storage sites in Kedah, says Datuk Azman Adam.
"We succeeded in crippling subsidised diesel embezzlement activities through Ops Tiris 3.0 in two separate raids carried out at Changlun and Bukit Kayu Hitam, Kedah, on suspected subsidised diesel storage and transfer sites last week," the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry's enforcement director-general said in a statement on Saturday (Feb 10).
He said the night raids were carried out simultaneously following prior surveillance carried out by enforcement officers.
"Based on initial information, it was said that the syndicate would use a modified lorry to fill it up with subsidised diesel at several petrol stations in Changlun dan Bukit Kayu Hitam, which was later transported to the illegal storage site and later transferred for sale on the black market," he added.
Azman said that 13,300 litres of subsidised diesel, a lorry, several intermediate bulk container tanks, a motor pump and equipment, including documents, were seized for further investigation.
"The value of the seizures was estimated to be about RM75,745.
"Nine local men, who admitted to be workers at the two sites, were also detained to assist in investigations," he added.
He said investigations would also be carried out to determine who is involved in the syndicate and its distribution and supply network.
Azman warned that individuals convicted under the Control of Supplies Act could face a RM1mil fine, a maximum three-year jail sentence or both, while errant companies involved could face a RM2mil fine.
Apart from this, he said that errant companies could also be investigated for money laundering, which carries a maximum 15-year jail sentence or a fine fivefold the amount of money laundered or RM5mil fine, whichever is more.
He said those with information on embezzlement activities involving subsidised items can channel the information via WhatsApp at 019-848 8000 / 019-279 4317, the ministry's e-Aduan portal at http://eaduan.kpdn.gov.my, hotline 1-800-886-800 or the Ez ADU smartphone app.
