SIBU: The Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry (KPDN) has seized 132,000 litres of illegally stored diesel worth RM283,800 from a vessel.
A 60-year-old local man, the caretaker of the vessel, was also arrested during the joint operation with the police.
The raid, conducted under Ops Tiris 4.0 from 9.30am to 7.50pm on April 3 at a jetty along Jalan Ulu Lanang, also resulted in the seizure of the locally registered vessel believed to have been used in the misappropriation of subsidised fuel.
The total value of the confiscated items is estimated at RM773,600.
KPDN Sibu chief Roslee Masli said the operation was carried out following intelligence gathering and close monitoring by enforcement authorities.
“During the operation, our team detained the vessel and discovered diesel stored in nine separate tanks, believed to have been kept without valid permission from the Supply Controller,” he said at a press conference on Monday (April 6).
Roslee added that initial inspections also revealed that the vessel failed to produce valid documentation relating to the ownership and transportation of the fuel.
“As a result, a case has been opened under Ops 555 and Ops Jeriji pursuant to Section 21 of the Supply Control Act 1961 for possession or control of controlled goods under suspicious circumstances,” he said.
The case is being investigated under the Supply Control Act 1961. Upon conviction, individuals may face a fine of up to RM1mil, imprisonment of up to three years, or both. Repeat offenders may be fined up to RM3mil or face imprisonment of up to five years, or both. For companies, penalties include a fine of up to RM2mil, increasing to a maximum of RM5mil for subsequent offences.
Roslee stressed that KPDN remains committed to strengthening cooperation with enforcement agencies such as the police to curb the misappropriation of controlled goods, particularly subsidised diesel, which has significant implications for the national economy and public welfare.
“Strict action will be taken against any party found to be involved in the misuse of government subsidies,” he said.
Sibu OCPD Asst Comm Azari Miskon said the seized diesel was believed to be intended for the local market.
“The vessel had been berthed at the jetty for about a month while its engine was being repaired before it was due to sail to the Solomon Islands,” he said.
He added that Sibu’s strategic location makes it a significant hotspot for the smuggling of subsidised diesel.
ACP Azari urged members of the public in Sibu to come forward with any information related to smuggling activities, particularly involving subsidised diesel.
“Diesel is widely used in both Sabah and Sarawak, especially given the region’s international waterways, which makes it vulnerable to misuse.
“We therefore welcome cooperation from the public and the media to assist the police and KPDN in addressing and resolving issues related to diesel subsidy abuse,” he said.
