In Simpang Empat, Hutan Melintang, a raid conducted by the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry resulted in the seizure of over 4,400 litres of subsidised diesel. Two men were apprehended during Ops Tiris 3.0 for their alleged involvement in the misappropriation of the fuel.
Datuk Kamalludin Ismail, the Perak director of the ministry, disclosed that the suspects, aged 50 and 61, were taken into custody on Wednesday at 12.30pm. The confiscated items included 4,415 litres of diesel, eight skid tanks, pumping equipment, three trailers, and two five-tonne lorries valued at approximately RM1 million.
“The individuals arrested, a driver and the premises manager, are believed to be part of a syndicate that acquires subsidised diesel from local petrol stations in Hutan Melintang and then sells it to industrial consumers at a higher price,” Kamalludin stated in a press release issued on Thursday.
According to him, the operation of the syndicate involves the use of modified trailers to repeatedly purchase diesel from petrol stations and transfer it to unlicensed premises for storage in skid tanks.
The subsidised diesel, procured at RM2.15 per litre, is reportedly resold at prices ranging from RM3 to RM4 per litre, in line with market rates.
“The case will be investigated under the Control of Supplies Act 1961 and Control of Supplies Regulations 1974,” Kamalludin confirmed, highlighting the severity of the offences related to the misappropriation of controlled goods such as subsidised diesel.
“Individuals found guilty could face fines of up to RM1 million, imprisonment for a maximum of three years, or both. Companies involved could be fined up to RM2 million,” he added.
“A stern warning is issued by the ministry against any entities engaging in the wrongful use of controlled goods. The public is encouraged to assist authorities by reporting any instances of misappropriation of regulated and subsidised items,” Kamalludin stressed.
Reports and information related to such activities can be submitted to the ministry via WhatsApp at 019-279 4317, the online portal, the toll-free call centre at 1-800-866-800, by email to [email protected], or through the mobile application “Ez Adu KPDN”.
