KOTA KINABALU: A local man’s attempt to store and transport subsidised diesel without a permit was foiled when police raided a petrol station in Sabah’s Tawau district.
Tawau OCPD Asst Comm Jasmin Hussin said police detained a 50-year-old man when the team raided the petrol station at Batu 3, Jalan Apas around 4.40pm on Saturday.
The total value of the confiscated items – including a four-wheel drive vehicle, diesel and equipment – was estimated at RM11,445.
He said the operation was carried out by a Task Force team from the Internal Security and Public Order Division of the Tawau police headquarters led by Deputy Supt Sukvinderjeet Singh following intelligence and monitoring.
“The suspect failed to produce any licence or permit to possess about 300 litres of subsidised diesel,” ACP Jasmin said in a statement posted on Facebook.
He said further checks uncovered a modified fibre-type oil tank believed to have been used to store the fuel, he said, adding that police seized an Isuzu Trooper four-wheel drive, its keys, and the tank.
All seizures and the suspect have been handed over to the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) Tawau Branch for further action.
The case is being investigated under Section 21 of the Supply Control Act 1961.
ACP Jasmin reminded the public not to engage in the misappropriation of controlled items, warning that strict action will be taken against offenders.
He urged those with information on diversion activities to assist police, including through the Volunteer Smartphone Patrol (VSP) channel.
