KUCHING: A lorry driver was fined RM200,000 or 15 months’ jail by the Sessions Court today for possessing 8,000 litres of subsidised diesel without a permit in a lorry earlier this year.
Arres Nojeb, 54, from Bau, pleaded guilty before Judge Iris Awen Jon to a charge framed under Section 21 of the Control of Supplies Act 1961, punishable under Subsection 22(1) of the same Act.
According to the charge, Arres was found in possession of 8,000 litres of diesel – a scheduled controlled item – in bulk without a valid licence, which is an offence under Sub-regulation 3(1) of the Control of Supplies Regulations 1974.
He was caught with the diesel stored in a Mitsubishi Fuso Canter lorry at Jalan Kampung Stass, Bau, around 12:50 pm on January 7.
The offence carries a maximum fine of RM1 million or up to three years’ imprisonment, or both. For subsequent offences, the maximum fine increases to RM3 million.
The court also ordered the proceeds from the sale of the seized diesel to be forfeited to the government. The vehicle used in the offence was ordered to be confiscated and handed over to the prosecution for disposal.
According to the facts of the case, a General Operations Force (PGA) Batu Kawa team detained the lorry at Jalan Kampung Stass during an operation on the day of the incident.
Checks revealed the vehicle was loaded with diesel kept in eight IBC tanks, and Arres was subsequently detained.
The case was later referred to the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry (KPDNKSH) Kuching for further action.
KPDNKSH records showed no licence or permit for handling scheduled controlled items was issued under the accused’s name.
Further checks also found that the lorry belonged to a retail company based on forensic verification by the Enforcement Division headquarters in Putrajaya.
It is understood that the diesel was intended to be smuggled across the border for sale.
Prosecuting Officer, Goh Kok Hong, urged the court to impose a deterrent sentence, citing public interest and emphasising that subsidised diesel is meant for Malaysians and not for cross-border smuggling.
