By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING: A total of 650 litres of diesel was discovered stored in two hidden storage tanks inside a modified cargo lorry during a routine enforcement operation at a petrol station here, in a case suspected to involve fuel misappropriation.
The diesel, valued at RM1,397.50, was found after enforcement officers from the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) Sarawak conducted a static inspection at the petrol station yesterday (April 20) at about 2.30pm.
KPDN Sarawak director Matthew Dominic Barin said that the lorry was initially flagged for its suspicious condition while refuelling.
“Further inspection revealed that the vehicle had been modified with IBC tanks discreetly placed in the rear cargo area and carefully concealed.
“The modus operandi is believed to involve the storage of diesel in IBC tanks hidden in the rear of the lorry,” he said in a statement today, adding that officers also suspect the fuel may have been sourced irregularly prior to the inspection.
The total value of the seizure, including the controlled goods involved, is estimated at RM23,797.50.
Following the discovery, KPDN initiated one case under Ops 555 in accordance with Section 21 of the Control of Supplies Act 1961 for possession or control of controlled goods under suspicious circumstances.
If convicted, individuals found guilty under the Act face penalties of up to RM1 million in fines or imprisonment of up to three years, or both, for a first offence. Repeat offenders may be fined up to RM3 million or jailed for up to five years, or both. For companies, fines may reach RM2 million for a first offence and RM5 million for subsequent offences.
Matthew said KPDN Sarawak remains committed to intensifying static operations at petrol stations identified as high-risk or “hotspot” areas to curb fuel smuggling and subsidy leakage, particularly involving diesel.
“The ministry will not compromise with any parties involved in syndicates misusing controlled goods. Our priority is to ensure government subsidies reach the intended groups and are not diverted or smuggled out illegally,” he stressed.
He also urged the public to assist enforcement efforts by reporting suspicious activities through WhatsApp at 019-848 8000, email at e-aduan@kpdn.gov.my, the KPDN Call Centre at 1-800-886-800, or the Ez ADU KPDN mobile application. — DayakDaily
