KUCHING: Enforcement agencies have uncovered a fresh trail of suspected diesel smuggling activities in Sarawak after seizing thousands of litres of diesel from a vessel, a van and a raided premises in Sibu.
The latest operations under ‘Ops Tiris 4.0’ exposed what authorities believe to be ongoing attempts to siphon subsidised diesel through illegal storage and repeated fuel purchases.
Sarawak Federal Secretary Datuk
Ahmad Nadzri Mohd Hassan said the operation involved officers from the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN), Sarawak Road Transport Department (RTD), Sarawak Security and Enforcement
Unit (UKPS), and the General Operations Force (GOF).
“In Sibu, enforcement teams acting on intelligence uncovered a vessel carrying an estimated 10,000 litres of diesel worth RM21,500 stored in four tanks without a permit.
“Authorities also intercepted a van suspected of exploiting subsidised diesel through repeated purchases at petrol stations.
“Meanwhile, GOF personnel raided a premises in the district, believed to be operating as an illegal diesel storage site, where two skid tanks containing about 3,200 litres of diesel worth RM15,680 were discovered.
“A local man in his 40s, believed to be managing the premises, was detained for further investigation,” he said, adding that seizures from the three cases were estimated at RM78,490.
Initial inspections found the premises and vessel failed to provide valid documents related to the ownership and transportation of the fuel.
Three investigation papers were opened under ‘Ops 555’ and ‘Ops Jeriji’ pursuant to Section 21 of the Control of Supplies Act 1961 for possessing controlled goods in suspicious circumstances.
Those convicted under the Act face hefty penalties, including fines of up to RM1 million or imprisonment of up to three years for individuals, while repeat offenders risk fines reaching RM3 million and jail terms of up to five years.
Companies can be fined up to RM2 million, with subsequent offences carrying penalties of up to RM5 million.
