NIBONG TEBAL: Penang Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) Ministry officers arrested a man attempting to steal 750 litres of RON95 petrol last night.
He was arrested while filling the RON95 petrol into an additional tank on a four-wheel-drive vehicle at a petrol station here.
State KPDN Director, S Jegan, said the raid at 9:15pm on a petrol station was carried out after his team's intelligence detected the activity of misappropriating subsidised fuel.
He said that four enforcement officers went to the location and found a Toyota Hilux whose driver was filling what was suspected to be RON95 petrol into an additional tank.
"As a result, a 35-year-old local male driver was detained, and we also seized his vehicle, the purchase receipt, and a mobile phone for further action.
"The value of the seized petrol is 750 litres, estimated to be worth RM1,537.50, bringing the total estimated value of the seized items to RM37,337.50," he said.
He explained that the case is being investigated under the Supply Control Act 1961.
"If found guilty, a fine not exceeding RM2 million can be imposed for the first offense and a fine not exceeding RM5 million for the second offense for a corporate body.
"For individuals, a fine not exceeding RM1 million for the first offense or imprisonment not exceeding three years or both, and a fine not exceeding RM3 million for the second offense, or imprisonment not exceeding five years or both," he said.
Jegan said the state KPDN is actively conducting surveillance and patrols around Penang to curb the leakage of controlled and subsidised goods.