Kota Kinabalu: The Sabah Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs (KPDNHEP) foiled a syndicate involved in the misappropriation of diesel in Jalan Bunga Raya, Kepayan, Tuesday.
A team seized 1,610 litres of the controlled item stored in square tanks, drum barrels and jerry cans along with an electronic pump following the 11.30am raid.
Sabah KPDNHEP Director Georgie Abas said the seizures amounted to RM3,561.
“A local suspected to be the mastermind was arrested to aid in investigations under the Control of Supplies Act 1961.
“A weeklong stakeout was carried out before carrying out the raid. Preliminary investigations revealed the suspect failed to produce any documents required for storing the fuel.
“The case will be investigated under Section 21 of the same Act and Section 20(1) and Rule 3(1) of the Petroleum and Electricity (Control of Supplies) Act 1974,” he said.
Under Act 122 of the Control of Supplies Act 1961, convicted individuals may be fined not more than RM1 million, and not exceeding RM3 million for subsequent offenses or imprisonment not exceeding three years or both.
For companies, the fine does not exceed RM2 million, and no more than RM5 million for subsequent offenses.
The Ministry will also take strict action by temporarily suspending the licence of gas station operators found to be involved until the investigation is completed.
Georgie said KPDNHEP Sabah will continue to monitor and conduct inspections and of all controlled goods-related activities in the state to prevent the misappropriation of controlled goods.
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