KOTA KINABALU: A 35-year-old local man was arrested as police uncovered an illegal subsidised diesel storage operation in Penampang near here.
Sabah Marine Police (Region 4) Commander Asst Comm Ahmad Amri Abd Rahman said they also recovered a four-wheel drive vehicle, 2,775 litres of subsidised diesel, and several Intermediate Bulk Container (IBC) tanks during the raid at Jalan Kobusak at about 4pm on Wednesday (Mar 25).
In statement, he said the operations under Ops Tiris 4, were conducted jointly with the Penampang district police following where the team also seized various equipment believed to have been used in the illegal fuel misappropriation activities.
He said the total value of the seizure is estimated at RM158,826.75.
“The suspect is now in custody and the case is being investigated under Section 21 of the Supply Control Act 1961,” he said, adding that the raid was a result of intelligence gathering and monitoring being carried out statewide.
“Firm action will continue to be taken against any individual or syndicate attempting to exploit government-subsidized goods.
“From January until June 24, Sabah Marine Police recorded 81 cases under the Supply Control Act 1961, with total seizures amounting to RM22.79mil,” he added.
He said 75 people had been arrested to assist in the investigations.
