PETALING JAYA: More than 13,000 litres of diesel have been seized from two storage facilities in Kedah, putting an end to the smuggling of the subsidised fuel.
Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry enforcement director-general Datuk Azman Adam said in a special operation codenamed Op Tiris 3.0 last week, his officers raided two sites in Changlun and Bukit Kayu Hitam, suspected to be diesel storage and transfer facilities.
He said the raids were carried out simultaneously following surveillance by enforcement officers.
“Based on our initial information, the syndicate would fill up a modified lorry with diesel at several petrol stations in Changlun and Bukit Kayu Hitam.
“The diesel would then be transported to the illegal storage sites and later transferred for sale on the black market,” he said in a statement.
Azman said more than 13,000 litres of diesel, a lorry, several intermediate bulk container tanks, a motor pump and documents were seized for further investigations.
“The value of the seizures is estimated to be about RM75,745.
“Nine men, who admitted being workers at the two sites, were detained to assist in investigations,” he added.
He warned that individuals convicted under the Control of Supplies Act could face a RM1mil fine or a maximum three-year jail sentence or both, while the companies involved could face a RM2mil fine.
Azman added that errant companies could also be investigated for money laundering, which carries a maximum 15-year jail sentence or a fine five times the amount of money laundered or a RM5mil fine, whichever is higher.
He said those with information on embezzlement involving subsidised items can channel tip-offs 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.
