KPDN busts Bintawa factory, seizes 10,000 litres of diesel in crackdown on subsidised fuel misuse

KPDN and police raided a factory in Bintawa and seized 10,000 litres of diesel on April 2, 2026.

By DayakDaily Team

KUCHING, April 2: Enforcement officers from the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) Sarawak seized a 10,000-litre diesel stockpile discovered at a factory in Bintawa, successfully foiling an attempt to misappropriate the controlled commodity.

KPDN Sarawak director Matthew Dominic Barin said that the raid was carried out under Ops Tiris 4.0 in a joint operation with the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), following intelligence gathering and surveillance on the premises.

“The confiscated diesel is estimated to be worth RM72,700.

“The case has been recorded under Ops 555 and Ops Jeriji, with investigations underway pursuant to Section 21 of the Supply Control Act 1961 for possession of controlled goods under circumstances that raise suspicion of an offence,” he said in a statement after the operation today.

Upon conviction, individuals may face a fine of up to RM1 million or imprisonment of up to three years, or both, while repeat offenders risk fines of up to RM3 million or jail terms of up to five years. Companies can be fined up to RM2 million, rising to RM5 million for subsequent offences.

“The latest enforcement action highlights ongoing efforts to curb the leakage and misuse of subsidised fuel in Sarawak,” he added.

From Jan 1, 2024 to April 1, 2026, Matthew disclosed that KPDN Sarawak recorded 308 diesel-related cases, with 6.7 million litres seized worth RM16.1 million.

“Authorities have also issued RM794,850 in compounds and RM272,000 in fines during the period,” he said.

KPDN Sarawak urged the public to act as the eyes and ears of enforcement agencies by reporting any suspicious activities involving controlled and subsidised goods through its official channels, including its WhatsApp hotline (019-848 8000), e-complaint email ([email protected]), call centre 1-800-886-800, and the Ez ADU KPDN mobile application. — DayakDaily