JOHOR BARU: The Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry has uncovered a liquified petroleum gas (LPG) smuggling syndicate with more than 1,700 gas tanks seized in Ulu Tiram here.
The ministry’s Johor director Lilis Saslinda Pornomo said the subsidised gas tanks, weighing 14kg each, were found in a storehouse during a raid on Tuesday (March 11).
“Some of the gas tanks were empty while some were filled. We also found a tanker lorry filled with 24,724kg of LPG.
“We believe the syndicate had been decanting the gas tanks and transferring the subsidised LPG into the tanker for illegal trading,” she said in a statement on Wednesday.
She added that the ministry also seized the equipment that was used to transfer the LPG.
No suspects were found at the scene during the raid, she said, adding that the seized items were valued at more than RM860,000.
The case would be investigated under the Control of Supplies Act 1961, which carries a fine of up to RM1mil or three years of imprisonment, or both, for the first offence upon conviction.
For repeat offenders, they are punishable with a maximum fine of RM3mil and five years imprisonment, or both.
Lilis Saslinda urged members of the public to channel information about such activities or issues related to consumer affairs to the ministry via WhatsApp at 018-848 800, call centre at 1-800-886-800 or email e-aduan@kpdn.gov.my
