KULAI: A diesel smuggling syndicate is believed to have used a lorry fitted with a modified fuel tank to purchase excess diesel from petrol stations around the district before transferring it into storage tanks at a factory here.
Johor Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry director Lilis Saslinda Pornomo said her department uncovered the operation and seized diesel, a lorry, skid tanks and other items worth about RM300,000 during a raid on Wednesday (Jan 21).
She said some 32,000 litres of diesel were seized in the operation, following several days of surveillance.
“At least two of the three skid tanks found at the premises contained diesel, while another was empty,” she said.
Lilis said the group’s modus operandi involved driving to petrol stations around the district to purchase excess diesel using the modified fuel tank before transporting it to the factory.
Investigations are being carried out under the Control of Supplies Act 1961, she added.
Under the Act, individuals face a fine of up to RM1mil or imprisonment of up to three years, or both, while companies may be fined up to RM2mil, with repeat offenders facing fines of up to RM5mil.
She urged members of the public with information to contact the department via WhatsApp at 019-848 8000 or the call centre at 1-800-886-8000.
