KUCHING: An attempt to misappropriate subsidised diesel was foiled during a joint enforcement operation under Ops Tiris 4.0 at a premises in Demak Laut here Wednesday.
A team from the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) Sarawak, with the assistance of the police, carried out the raid at about 9.30 am after receiving intelligence on suspected illegal storage activities.
KPDN Sarawak director Matthew Dominic Barin, said initial inspection at the premises uncovered controlled goods believed to be diesel stored without a valid permit.
“Further checks found 4,000 litres of diesel kept in a skid tank, with an estimated value of RM8,600. The total value of the seizure is estimated at RM10,400,” he said in a statement.
He added that the case is being investigated under Section 21 of the Control of Supplies Act 1961, read together with Regulation 3(1) of the Control of Supplies Regulations 1974 for possession of controlled goods in suspicious circumstances.
“If convicted, individuals may face a fine of up to RM1 million or imprisonment of up to three years, or both, for a first offence. Repeat offenders may be fined up to RM3 million or jailed up to five years, or both.
“For companies, offenders may be fined up to RM2 million for a first offence and up to RM5 million for subsequent offences,” he said.
Matthew said KPDN Sarawak remains committed to strengthening strategic cooperation with enforcement agencies, including the police, in curbing the misappropriation of controlled goods, particularly subsidised diesel, which could affect the country’s economy and public wellbeing.
He also urged members of the public to act as the eyes and ears of the authorities by reporting any suspicious business activities involving traders and distributors through official KPDN channels.
