KUCHING: The Sarawak General Operations Force (GOF) have arrested five individuals and seized 22,730 litres of subsidised diesel in a series of raids last week.
The operations, codenamed ‘Op Taring Bravo’ and ‘Op Taring Awas/Batas’, were conducted in Lundu and Kota Samarahan on July 9, and in Kuching on July 10.
Sarawak GOF Brigade Commander SAC Dr Che Ghazali Che Awang said the operations also led to the confiscation of various vehicles and fuel storage equipment with the total seizure valued at more than RM681,000.
The detained suspects consist of five local men, aged between 26 and 34.
“The first operation took place at 7.30am in Lundu, when the GOF 11th Battalion intercepted a Toyota Hilux – believed to be transporting diesel in excess of permitted limits without valid documentation.
“Checks uncovered 230 litres of diesel and 10 jerry cans stored in the back of the vehicle. The Toyota Hilux was also seized, bringing the estimated total seizure value to RM81,155.50,” he said.
Later that day, at around 1pm, Sarawak GOF Brigade intelligence officers raided a premises in Kota Samarahan suspected of illegally storing subsidised diesel.
The team discovered 18,000 litres of diesel and 17 intermediate bulk containers (IBC) at the site, along with a Toyota Hino tanker. The estimated seizure value of the second operation is RM218,840.
Che Ghazali added that the GOF 11th Battalion Intelligence Branch raided another premises in Kuching at 12.30pm the next day (July 10).
“Further inspections led to the discovery of 4,500 litres of diesel, 13 IBCs, two skid tanks, 25 PVC hoses of various sizes, two fuel pump engines, and a Nissan tanker lorry. The third operation’s estimated seizure value amounts to RM381,060,” he said.
All the suspects and the seized items have been handed over to the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) Sarawak for further investigation.
He pointed out all three cases are being investigated under Section 21 of the Control of Supplies Act 1961.
Aside from that, the third case is also being probed under Section 15(1)(A) of the Road Transport Act 1987, Section 66A(1) of the Commercial Vehicles Licensing Board Act 1987, and Section 90(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987.
