KK man fined RM15,000 for illegal possession of diesel

KOTA KINABALU: A local man was slapped with a RM15,000 fine, in default two months jail, after being found guilty of unlawful possession of controlled items at the Sessions Court here on Wednesday (March 27).

According to a statement by the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry on Thursday (March 28), Sessions Court judge Elsie Primus handed the sentence to Mohd Mazlan Emarula who was charged under Section 21 of the Control of Supplies Act 1961 which was punishable under Section 22(1) of the same Act.

According to the Ministry’s Sabah office director Georgie Abas, the accused was found with 6,250 litres of diesel, which were kept in three lorry tankers, at a fuel station in Penampang near here at about 4am on May 19 last year.

He said the man was detained by the police who later handed him as well as the seized items to the Ministry.

The man, he added, was charged in court on strong suspicion of violating Rule 18(1) of the Control of Supplies Regulations (Amendment) 2021.

"He had in possession a scheduled controlled item which was diesel over the 20 litre limit," he said.

"The court also ordered for RM13,437.50, which were proceeds from the sales of diesel, to be seized and forfeited as government revenue," Abas added.

The accused, who was not represented, paid the fine.

Towards this end, Abas said the success in this case reflected the close working relationship between the Sabah Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry and other enforcement agencies.

"So far, a total 67 cases, recorded between January and March 28 this year, have been handed over (to Sabah Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry) with items worth RM2,014,091.75 seized.

"These agencies involved the police, General Operations Force, army and Customs Department," he said, adding the cases were still under probe.

In the same period, he added, the Sabah Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry had brought 14 cases to the court, and resulted in six successful convictions with fines amounting to RM37,500 meted.

The remaining eight cases were still under court proceedings, he said.

Abas said anyone with information regarding misappropriation of subsidised or controlled goods can reach the ministry via WhatsApp at 019-279 4317 or 019-848 8000 or online through e-aduan.kpdnhep.gov.my.

They could also call 1-800-886-800 or email [e-mail] and the Enforcement Command Centre at 03-8882 6088/6245.