Illicit business: KPDN enforcement officers inspecting seized LPG cylinders during a raid on a illegal decanting facility in Jalan Kampung Jawa in Shah Alam.
PETALING JAYA: Almost 6,000kg of subsidised liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) meant for households has been seized following a raid on an illegal decanting facility by the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry.
The ministry’s director-general for enforcement, Datuk Azman Adam, said the raid on a premises in Jalan Kampung Jawa in Shah Alam on March 14 saw the seizure of 608 LPG cylinders containing around 5,864kg of LPG worth RM14,565.
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He said a number of items used in the operation, including three trucks and decanting equipment, were also seized, with the total value of the entire seizure estimated to exceed RM200,000.
He also revealed that three Malaysian men and one foreign national, aged between 25 and 45, working at the premises were arrested. They are suspected to have been operating for at least two months.
“An initial inspection of the premises revealed that it was being used as an illegal storage facility for decanting activities, specifically the transfer of subsidised LPG (for household use) into 50kg LPG cylinders intended for industrial use.
“The raid was then conducted by a team of the ministry’s enforcement officers after three weeks of intelligence gathering on the premises prior to the operation.
“Equipment such as connecting hoses was also found and is believed to have been used in the decanting activity,” he said.
He added that investigation papers have since been opened under Section 22(1) of the Control of Supplies Act for the possession of controlled goods with the intent to commit an offence.
If found guilty, first-time offenders can be fined up to RM1mil or three years of imprisonment or both, while companies can be fined up to RM2mil.
He said the company involved would also be investigated under the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act for any profits related to the misappropriation of the subsidised LPG.
If convicted, individuals related to the company may face up to 15 years’ imprisonment and fines not less than five times the value of the unlawful proceeds or equipment used in the commission of the offence at the time it occurred, or RM5mil, whichever is higher.
He also encouraged the public to report any information related to the misappropriation of controlled and subsidised goods through channels like WhatsApp 019-848 8000; the ministry call centre 1800 88 6800; the ministry e-complaint portal at http://eaduan.kpdn.gov.my; or the Ez ADU KPDN mobile application.
“The ministry will continue to intensify its monitoring and enforcement efforts to ensure that no party misappropriates subsidised controlled goods meant for the benefit of the public,” he added.
