BUTTERWORTH: An unemployed man claimed trial at the Sessions Court here to a charge of possessing 556.5 litres of diesel without a licence.
Heah Ban How, 44, who had the charge read to him in Mandarin, said he understood it before pleading not guilty before Judge Roslan Hamid.
According to the charge, Heah was accused of possessing scheduled controlled goods, namely 556.5 litres of diesel.
He was alleged to have been found with the diesel in a modified fuel tank of a lorry at about 2pm on April 29, 2026 at a company premises along Jalan Besar in Chong Nam Estate, Valdor, Sungai Bakap here.
The offence falls under Regulation 3(1) of the Control of Supplies Regulations 1974 for dealing in controlled goods without a licence.
The charge was framed under Section 21 of the Control of Supplies Act 1961 (Act 122) and is punishable under Section 22(1) of the same Act.
If convicted, Heah faces a fine of up to RM1mil, or imprisonment of up to three years, or both.
For a second or subsequent offence, the penalty is a fine of up to RM2mil, or imprisonment of up to five years, or both.
Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry deputy public prosecutor S. Preeya Darrsini, assisted by prosecuting officer Alsad Nasrullah, asked the court to set bail at RM10,000.
Heah, who was unrepresented, asked the court to lower the amount, saying he is unemployed and has to care for his 70-year-old mother.
Roslan set bail at RM10,000 with one surety and fixed June 11 for mention.
