Kota Kinabalu: Some 1,500 litres of subsidised diesel were seized in separate raids in Labuan, Kudat and Semporna on Tuesday and Wednesday.
In Labuan, enforcement officers of Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) and Marine Police Force (PPM) seized six hidden drum barrels containing about 1,000 litres of diesel, at a landing area at Pulau Eno, on Wednesday.
KPDN Labuan enforcement chief, Amiluddin Malang, said the seized items were believed to be intended for illegal diversion.
“The case is being investigated under the Supply Control Act 1961, with the total value of the seizure estimated at around RM8,500,” he said, adding such operations would continue to curb subsidy leakages and the misappropriation of controlled goods.
In SEMPORNA, an undocumented man was detained and 69 gallons of petrol were seized during a raid by Kunak 22nd Battalion General Operation Force (GOF) with cooperation from the Ministry.
Kunak GOF, in a statement, said the operation was carried out under Op Taring Bravo 1 following intelligence.
The team spotted a man on a boat, who acted suspicious. An inspection found the man had no valid identification document.
Discovered were 69 gallons containing petrol and a gallon containing petrol mix with 2T oil. The suspect also failed to produce any document to store, own or carry the items.
All the seizures were estimated worth about RM75,000.
“The suspect and seized items were handed over to the Semporna KPDN for further action. The case would be investigated under the Control of Supply Act 1961,” said Kunak GOF.
In KUDAT, a local was arrested for storing 400 litres of diesel without permission in a storage facility.
KPDN Kudat branch District Enforcement Chief Nazatul Shima Karim said the 31-year-old man, believed to be the owner of the store, was detained during a routine operation under Ops Tiris 4.0, shortly after officers raided a storage facility along Jalan Airport Kudat.
Ops Tiris 4.0 is part of a follow-up initiative to the nationwide operation to combat manipulation and leakage (Gempur), carried out by the government through KPDN, focusing on tackling the diversion and misuse of controlled goods in the market.
She the raid led to a case being opened under the Supply Control Act 1961 after the premises were found to be storing approximately 400 litres of diesel without authorisation.
“The diesel was kept in two blue drum barrels for personal use illegally.
“This case is being investigated under Regulation 3(1) of the Control of Supplies Regulations 1974, which is an offence involving dealings with controlled goods without a valid licence or permit,” she said.
Nazatul stressed that enforcement efforts will continue to be intensified, particularly in areas identified as high-risk for fuel smuggling and misappropriation activities, including Kudat, Kota Marudu, Pitas and Pulau Banggi.
The KPDN Kudat branch welcomes public cooperation in providing information on any misuse of controlled goods or misconduct by traders through official channels, including the WhatsApp complaint lines (019-279 4317 / 019-848 80002), the complaint portal http://eaduan.kpdn.gov.my, the hotline (1-800-886-800), email eaduan@kpdn.gov.my, and the KPDN Kudat Branch office line (088-615301).