JOHOR BARU: Some 6,000l of subsidised diesel worth more than RM12,000 were seized by the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry in a lorry parking area in Ulu Tiram near here.
The ministry's Johor director, Lilis Saslinda Pornomo, said a 40-year-old local man was also arrested during the operation dubbed "Ops Tiris" at about 7.30pm on Monday (May 20).
“A lorry in the parking area was suspected of possessing, storing and carrying subsidised diesel without any valid licence or permit.
“Following further checks, we confiscated approximately 6,000l of diesel, two metal tanks, a lorry, a key and a diesel purchase receipt.
“We also arrested a local man, who admitted that he had rented the lorry, to assist in the investigation,” she said in a statement here on Wednesday (May 22).
She said that the total value of items seized amounts to RM63,403, including RM12,900 of diesel.
“Their modus operandi was to modify a lorry meant for carrying sand before putting up a metal tank to hide the diesel,” she said, adding that the operation was launched following intelligence collected by the ministry.
She said that the case is being investigated under Section 21 of the Control of Supplies Act 1961 for having controlled goods and intending to commit an offence with the items, as well as not having a valid licence.
If convicted, an individual found guilty would be liable to a maximum fine of RM1mil or up to three years imprisonment, or both for the first offence.
Any subsequent offence could lead to further fines of up to RM3mil or a maximum of five years imprisonment or both.
For companies, the offence is punishable by a maximum fine of RM2mil for the first offence and RM5mil for any subsequent offence.
