ALOR STAR: The Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry today foiled attempts by subsidised diesel smugglers, who used a new tactic involving remote control devices to transfer diesel from modified pumps into trucks.
Its state director Muhammad Nizam Jamaludin said smuggling activity was detected after the ministry's state enforcement team raided a premises in Simpang Empat at 10.45am.
He said 5,100 litres of subsidised diesel fuel stored in five tanks were found and subsequently seized.
"The raid was conducted after surveillance and intelligence gathered over the past two weeks in the storage area. During the raid, no owner was present, but we found a significant amount of diesel stored without a valid licence or permit.
"The raiding team seized 5,100 litres of diesel worth RM10,965, a locally-registered truck, 10 Intermediate Bulk Container (IBC) tanks, and equipment used for transferring the controlled goods.
"The total value of the seizure is estimated at RM30,765," he said at a press conference at the raid location here today.
Nizam said the suspects' modus operandi involved collecting small amounts of subsidised diesel from nearby gas stations and storing it in IBC tanks on the back of the truck.
"The truck is then brought to the storage premises, and the diesel is transferred from the truck into the tanks for storage. Subsequently, the stored diesel would be transferred to other trucks that arrived at various times, either day or night, using remote control devices to speed up the transfer process," he added.
Nizam said the ministry was investigating whether this operation was part of a larger syndicate and did not rule out the possibility that more than two individuals were involved.
The case is being investigated under the Control of Supplies Act 1961, which carries penalties of up to RM1 million in fines or imprisonment for up to three years, or both for a first offence.
Meanwhile, Nizam warned that any party attempting to misuse subsidised controlled goods would face strict action.
"We also highly encourage the public to provide any information or complaints regarding the misappropriation of subsidised controlled goods," he added.