IPOH: The Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry has arrested three men who attempted to smuggle RON95 petrol from Pengkalan Hulu into a neighbouring country.
Perak director Datuk Kamalludin Ismail said the three men, aged between 60 and 70, were stopped during an "Ops Tiris" operation on Thursday (March 26) at about 12pm.
"We found about 450 litres of RON95 petrol in modified tanks in three locally registered vehicles.
"The three men are believed to be part of a syndicate whose modus operandi is to fill up petrol at petrol stations several times before entering a neighbouring country," he said in a statement.
"The total value of the seized items is about RM15,741," he added.
Kamalludin said the three men will be investigated under the Control of Supplies Act for possessing or keeping the fuel without permission.
"Those found guilty can be fined up to RM1mil or face a maximum of three years in jail, or both.
"For non-individual entities, those found guilty can be fined up to RM2mil, and RM5mil if it is a second offence," he said.
Kamalludin said the ministry will not compromise with any parties involved in the misappropriation of controlled goods.
"The ministry will continue its enforcement activities through the Kita Gempur initiative as a strategic step to combat any business manipulation activities, including the misappropriation of controlled goods, e-commerce fraud, and cartels.
"The public can help by providing information on fraudulent activities via WhatsApp at 019-848 8000, the e-aduan@kpdn.gov.my portal, the 1-800-886-800 hotline, or the KPDN Ez ADI smartphone application," he added.
