KPDN raids illegal storage facility in Johor Bahru, seizing 11,500 litres of diesel and detaining three men in subsidised fuel theft case.
JOHOR BAHRU: A syndicate using fleet cards to steal subsidised diesel was busted early this morning in a raid on an illegal storage facility in Taman Mount Austin.
Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali said the raid, which took place at around 2.30 am, was the result of a week-long surveillance by his ministry in collaboration with the Royal Malaysian Customs Department.
He said the syndicate was caught using several fleet cards to siphon subsidised diesel before transferring it to an illegal collection hub.
“The latest arrest early today in the Austin area involved the misuse of fleet cards. They were collecting fuel using fleet cards before transferring it to an illegal collection centre.
“We are acting to ensure the sustainability and security of fuel supply for all Malaysians,” he told reporters after inspecting a petrol station in Taman Mount Austin during his working visit to Johor today.
Three men, including two Indonesian nationals aged between 30 and 40, were detained to assist with investigations. The premises were operating without a valid licence under the Control of Supplies Act 1961.
Authorities seized approximately 11,500 litres of diesel valued at an estimated RM58,880, along with an additional 1,200 litres worth RM6,144 stored in Intermediate Bulk Container (IBC) tanks.
Various equipment was also confiscated, including eight fleet cards, IBC tanks, a trailer tank, a four-wheel-drive vehicle, and four IBC tanks containing diesel.
The total value of the seizure is estimated at more than RM265,986.48. The case is being investigated under the Control of Supplies Act 1961.
