KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) arrested five individuals and seized 1.6 million litres of diesel and RM3.7mil in cash in connection with a suspected syndicate involved in the embezzlement and misappropriation of subsidised diesel belonging to a fishermen's association.
The syndicate is also believed to have bribed enforcement officers in Sibu, Sarawak, to prevent any action being taken against them.
In a statement, MACC chief commissioner, Tan Sri Azam Baki, reported that three men and two women, aged from 30 to 60 years old, were detained at the MACC branch office in Sibu after their statements were recorded at 4pm on Monday (Aug 26).
Azam said that a raid on an oil storage depot in Sungai Bidut was conducted in collaboration with the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry.
"The detainees include four petrol station operators, believed to be masterminding the diesel smuggling activities, and an intermediary suspected of handling transactions with external buyers."
As a result of this operation, the MACC seized approximately RM3.7mil in cash, two barges, and 30 tanks that can hold around 1.6 million litres of diesel at the depot. All the seized diesel will be handed over to the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry for resale to licensed dealers.
Azam added that the suspects will be brought to a Sibu Magistrate's Court for a remand application and the case is being investigated under Section 16(b)(B) and Section 18 of the MACC Act 2009, as well as Section 471 of the Penal Code and the Control of Supplies Act 1961.
Through investigations and intelligence conducted by the MACC, it is believed that the syndicate has been operating since 2012 and has amassed profits of up to RM400mil by selling subsidised diesel meant for fishermen to external parties at a set price by transferring diesel from the tanks to barges moored at the depot.
"The diesel from these barges is then believed to be transferred to ships owned by buyers from foreign countries during the night to avoid detection by the authorities," he added. – Bernama
