By DayakDaily Team
KAPIT, June 28: Police have crippled an alleged fuel diversion activity in Kapit after seizing about 14,500 litres of diesel worth over RM552,000 and arresting three local men in two separate raids under Op Taring Landai.
According to a report by TVS, Marine Police Force (PPM) Region 5 Sarawak commander ACP Abdul Rahman Mat Hasan said the first raid, conducted at about 11.20am on Thursday, uncovered suspected illegal fuel transfer activities on private land.
A man was caught in the act of transferring diesel from a lorry into an IBC tank during the inspection by the Marine Intelligence Unit.
“Checks revealed about 9,000 litres of diesel. The suspect failed to produce any permit or written approval from the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN),” he reportedly said.
In a second raid in the same district, two more local men — a lorry driver and a premises caretaker — were detained while allegedly transferring diesel from a lorry into a skid tank.
Authorities discovered another 5,500 litres of diesel, with both suspects also unable to produce valid documentation or permits from KPDN.
All three suspects, along with a tanker lorry, diesel, storage tanks and equipment used in the operation, were seized and handed over to KPDN Kapit for further action.
The case is being investigated under Section 21 of the Supply Control Act 1961 for possession, storage or transportation of controlled goods without permit, licence or special authorisation.
If convicted, offenders face fines of up to RM1 million, imprisonment of up to three years, or both, with harsher penalties for repeat offences.
Companies may be fined up to RM2 million, or up to RM5 million for repeat violations.
PPM said enforcement will be intensified to dismantle illegal diversion of controlled goods in the region. — DayakDaily
