KOTA KINABALU: A suspected fuel smuggling syndicate operating in the black market was dismantled when Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry enforcement officers raided a petrol station in Semporna on Thursday (Jan 9).
Acting on weeks of intelligence gathering, a team of five enforcement officers from the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry launched the operation, codenamed Ops Tiris 3.0, around 9pm.
This led to the arrest of a man believed to be part of the syndicate.
A lorry containing 120 jerry cans filled with an estimated 3,000 litres of subsidised petrol was seized.
The Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry's Semporna branch chief enforcement officer Dr Jong Jee Leong stated that the syndicate’s modus operandi involved using a lorry to refuel petrol at multiple stations before storing it in jerry cans for black market distribution.
"The seized lorry and 120 jerry cans, along with 3,000 litres of petrol, are valued at approximately RM53,369. The items have been confiscated for further investigation," he said in a statement on Saturday (Jan 11).
Investigations are being conducted under the Control of Supplies Act 1961 [Act 122] to identify those involved and trace the distribution chain.
Dr Jong said the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry will continue collaborating with other enforcement agencies to eradicate such illegal activities and issued a stern warning about the severe penalties under the law.
"Those convicted under the Control of Supplies Act may face a fine of up to RM1mil for the first offence, and up to RM3mil for subsequent offences. Individuals may also face imprisonment of up to three years," he said.
Companies found guilty of illegal fuel sales can be fined up to RM2mil for the first offence and up to RM5mil for subsequent offences.
Dr Jong added that the case is also being investigated under the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001 (AMLATFPUAA) [Act 613].
Offenders convicted under this law could face imprisonment of up to 15 years and a fine of at least five times the value of the illegal proceeds or RM5mil, whichever is higher.
Dr Jong urged members of the public to report any information on the misappropriation of controlled and subsidised goods in their area.
