TAWAU: A diesel misappropriation activity was busted with the seizure of 2,090 litres in a raid at Kg Kubota, here, Monday.
Sabah Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry’s State Enforcement Officer Zulfamy Mat Udi said a 43-year-old local man was arrested in the 10pm raid following three says of intelligence gathering.
In addition to the diesel that was stored in a square tank, a lorry, the tank, an electronic pump and a large hose were also confiscated.
“The diesel and equipment seized are estimated to be worth RM35,993,” he said.
He said the suspect was believed to be an employee at the store and a statement had been taken from him to assist in the investigations under the Supply Control Act 1961.
“We are still investigating for how long the activity had been going on,” he said, adding the worker failed to submit any documents and valid licences to store the controlled item at the location.
The case is being investigated under Section 21 of the Supply Control Act 1961 for possessing controlled goods with the intention of committing an offence.
The section is read with Regulation 3(1) of the Supply Control Regulations 1974 for dealing in controlled goods without a licence.
According to Zulfamy, an investigation will also be carried out under Section 20(1) of the same Act for storing controlled items without permission.
Under the Supply Control Act 1961 (Act 122), any individual convicted of the offence can be fined not more than RM1 million and not exceeding RM3 million for subsequent offences, or imprisonment not exceeding three years, or both.
Companies can be fined not more than RM2 million and not more than RM5 million for subsequent offences, on conviction. Zulfamy said the Ministry would take stern action by temporarily suspending the licence of the gas station operator involved until the investigation is completed.
He said the Ministry would continue to monitor and inspect activities related to controlled goods in the State to ensure no abuse and called on the public with information of such activity to report to the Ministry through the channels provided.
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