KOTA KINABALU: Authorities seized a three-tonne box truck after 1,000 litres of subsidised diesel were found stored in its modified tank storage.
Sandakan Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry branch head Azdy Zukrry John said their team had intercepted the box truck on Wednesday (June 19) at 4.30pm along Jalan Utara in Sandakan.
“The driver, however, managed to flee the scene when stopped. Upon checking the cargo area, we found the estimated 1,000-litres of diesel stored in three intermediate bulk containers (IBC) tanks inside the truck.
“Further inspection found that they had modified the truck’s tank structure which was used to illegally acquire the diesel from various pump stations in the district,” he said.
Azdy said the total seizure was valued at RM48,450, comprising the diesel, vehicle and paraphernalia such as pumps, hoses and IBC tanks.
The operation, dubbed Ops Tiris 3.0, was carried out following tip-offs and intelligence observation.
“According to initial information, the syndicate's modus operandi involved using a modified truck with additional tanks to collect diesel from multiple petrol stations before distributing and selling it on the black market,” he said.
The case will be investigated under the Supply Control Act 1961 (Act 122), focusing on identifying individuals or companies involved and the distribution chain of the subsidised diesel supply, including its source and distribution.
Under the Act, those found guilty face fines up to a million Ringgit, or imprisonment up to three years, or both, upon conviction.
For subsequent offences, the fines can go up to RM3mil, or imprisonment up to three years, or both.
For companies, the fines can reach up to RM2mil for the first offence, and up to RM5mil for subsequent offences.
Sandakan Domestic Trade Ministry warns all individuals and businesses to comply with the existing laws.
“Petrol station operators are also reminded not to sell RON 95 petrol and subsidised diesel to buyers without written authorisation from the ministry.
“Investigations and actions under the Supply Control Act 1961 (Act 122) will be taken against any petrol station operators found involved,” said Azdy.
The public is called to report any information on the misappropriation of controlled and subsidised goods to WhatsApp: 019-2794317 or 019-8488000, or its complaints portal: http://eaduan.kpdn.gov.my, or call centre: 1 800 886 800, or e-mail to eaduan@kpdn.gov.my, or go to the nearest Domestic Trade office.
