ALOR STAR: The Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry has seized over 6,000 litres of fuel, suspected to be smuggled diesel and petrol worth over RM230,000, from a licensed fuel wholesaler in the Bukit Kayu Hitam Industrial Area yesterday (July 7).
It's state office director Muhammad Nizam Jamaludin said the raid was the result of two weeks of meticulous intelligence gathering by the ministry's enforcement team.
"During the raid, the team found a 37-year-old local worker transferring petrol and diesel into the tanks of two foreign-registered trailer lorries.
"In the 8am raid, the team found that the lorries had been modified with additional tanks.
"The fuel, believed to be petrol and diesel, were found in quantities of about 3,982 litres and 2,148 litres respectively, stored in the additional tanks," he said in a statement today (July 8).
Nizam said the total value of the seized fuel was estimated at RM230,358.90.
He added that a local man, suspected to be an employee at the premises, along with two Thai nationals, both aged 36, were detained for further investigation.
"The case is being investigated under Section 21 of the Supply Control Act 1961, which carries a potential fine of up to RM1,000,000 for those found guilty.
"Moreover, this case might also be examined under the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001," he added.
Nizam issued a firm warning to all those dealing with controlled and subsidised goods to adhere strictly to the laws.
"The ministry will not tolerate any involvement in the misappropriation of controlled and subsidised goods. Any complaints can be reported to the ministry for action," he added.