Four companies fined RM1 mln for illegal possession of subsidised diesel in Sibu

SIBU (Feb 12): The Sessions Court here has fined four companies a total of RM1 million for unlawful possession of controlled subsidised diesel.

Judge Musyiri Peet imposed the fine after two representatives of the companies pleaded guilty to the charge. The fines were paid.

Earlier, all eight accused, aged between 40 and 75, were produced before the court in proceedings under the Supply Control Act 1961.

According to the charge sheet, six charges involved the four companies and all eight accused, who were alleged to have committed offences under the Supply Control Act 1961 on Aug 25, 2024 at premises at Tanjung Engkilo Jetty here.

They were charged with possession of controlled goods, which are also scheduled items, namely 88,326 litres of diesel found in four lorries, 222,930 litres in two vessels, and 12,880 litres in one skid tank.

All the accused were charged on the grounds that, under circumstances giving rise to reasonable suspicion, they had contravened Regulation 3(1) of the Supply Control Regulations 1974, thereby committing an offence under Section 21 of the Supply Control Act 1961, punishable under Sections 22(1) and 22(2) of the same Act.

Deputy Public Prosecutor Iszzah Iburdanisha Igrahim prosecuted the case, while the companies were represented by Timothy Lim Teng.

Meanwhile, Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) Sarawak director Matthew Dominic Barin said in a statement that the prosecution sends a clear signal that KPDN Sarawak is committed to driving the KITA GEMPUR initiative.

He said the initiative was launched to combat manipulation in business activities and leakages involving controlled and subsidised goods.