Kota Kinabalu: The Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry (KPDN) here arrested a petrol station owner and two customers on suspicion of violating the Control of Supplies Act 1961.
They were detained in an “Ops Kita Gempur” crackdown on fuel stations in Inanam and Luyang on Monday (April 7), said Sabah KPDN Director Shahril Nizam Shahidin.
Ministry enforcement officers made the arrests after finding two vehicles fitted with extra fuel storage tanks, and also suspecting the petrol station of breaching the Act.
The suspects were believed to have bought or sold more than the permitted volume of subsidised fuel.
The total value of seized items came to RM45,752, Shahril Nizam said in a statement, Tuesday.
“The Ministry will continue to conduct raids to ensure that controlled and subsidised goods are enjoyed by citizens and not others,” he said.
Offenders under the applied sections of the Act face a fine of up to RM1 million or jail of up to three years, or both, if convicted of their first offence, he said.
For the second and subsequent offences, the fine can go up to RM3 million and imprisonment, up to five years, he added.
Companies found guilty of violations can be fined up to RM2 million for the first offence and up to RM5 million for the second and subsequent offences.
Shahril Nizam urged the public to work with the authorities by providing information on any suspicious activities via WhatsApp to 019-848 8000; e-mail to [email protected]; the Call Centre at 1-800-886-800; or the Ez ADU KPDN mobile app.