PETALING JAYA: Over 50,000 litres of subsidised diesel have been seized following a police raid on a storage facility in Puchong.
Bukit Aman Wildlife Crime Bureau and Special Intelligence Investigation commander Senior Asst Comm Datuk Mohd Zaki Ashar said in a statement that the operation was conducted on Wednesday (Aug 19) following intelligence gathering and surveillance of the premises.
"As a result of the raid, the operation team arrested two local men aged 33 and 64 years old.
"Preliminary investigations found that the two individuals were believed to have acted as the premise caretaker and lorry driver, respectively.
"Further checks around the premises uncovered seven tanks and three tanker lorries containing large quantities of diesel. The operation team also found an electric pump with a hose, believed to be linked to the transfer of diesel at the premises,” he said.
Officers seized 38,000 litres of fuel from the storage tanks and an additional 13,900 litres from three tanker lorries.
"Overall, the operation team seized approximately 51,900 litres of diesel, estimated to be worth RM231,993.
"The total value of the seizures, including the diesel, three tanker lorries, seven skid tanks and related equipment, is estimated at RM919,022.40,” he said.
Senior ACP Mohd Zaki said investigations are ongoing to identify the supply source, distribution methods, intended destinations, and potential accomplices.
"The diversion of subsidised diesel not only causes leakage of government revenue but could also undermine the effectiveness of the government's subsidy policy, which is intended to benefit eligible groups and sectors.
“The police take any activities involving the diversion, storage, transfer or trading of scheduled controlled goods without lawful authorisation. Firm and continuous action will be taken against any individual, company or premises owner found to be involved in such activities,” he said.
