SIBU: A total of 132,000 litres of illegally stored subsidised diesel, valued at RM283,800, was seized from a vessel during a joint enforcement operation by the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry and the police.
A 60-year-old local man, believed to be the vessel’s caretaker, was also arrested for his alleged involvement in a subsidised diesel smuggling syndicate.
The raid, conducted under Ops Tiris 4.0 on April 3 at a jetty along Jalan Ulu Lanang, also led to the seizure of a locally registered vessel suspected of being used to misappropriate subsidised fuel.
The total value of items confiscated, including the vessel, is estimated at RM773,600.
KPDN Sibu chief Roslee Masli said the operation followed intelligence gathering and close monitoring by enforcement authorities.
“Our team detained the vessel and found diesel stored in nine separate tanks, believed to have been kept without valid permission from the Supply Controller,” he said at a press conference yesterday.
He added that the vessel failed to produce valid documentation related to the ownership and transportation of the fuel.
“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.
If convicted, individuals may face a fine of up to RM1mil, imprisonment of up to three years, or both.
Roslee stressed that the ministry 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 vessel had been berthed at the jetty for about a month for engine repairs and was due to sail to the Solomon Islands.
The diesel was believed to be intended for the local market.
He added that Sibu’s strategic location makes it a hotspot for subsidised diesel smuggling and urged the public to provide information to the authorities.
Roslee stressed that the ministry 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.
