KPDN busts suspected illegal fuel storage in Pending raid

KUCHING (March 27): A total of 5,600 litres of diesel and 300 litres of RON95 petrol were seized in a raid on a premises in Pending here over suspected illegal storage of controlled goods.

Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) Sarawak director Matthew Dominic Barin said the operation was carried out in collaboration with the General Operations Force (GOF) Batu Kawa at two locations believed to be used as storage sites for controlled items without valid authorisation.

He said inspections were conducted at both premises suspected of storing scheduled controlled goods, namely diesel and petrol.

“Following the operation, one case was recorded under Section 21 of the Supply Control Act 1961 for possession or control of controlled goods under suspicious circumstances,” he said in a statement.

He added that further checks found the fuel stored in questionable conditions without proper permits, leading to its seizure.

“The estimated value of the seized goods is RM18,273, comprising RM17,472 worth of diesel and RM801 worth of RON95 petrol,” he said.

The case is being investigated under the Supply Control Act 1961. Upon conviction, individuals may face fines of up to RM1 million or imprisonment of up to three years, or both, for a first offence, while repeat offenders may face fines of up to RM3 million or imprisonment of up to five years, or both.

For companies, fines may reach up to RM2 million for a first offence and up to RM5 million for subsequent offences.

Matthew also urged the public to report any suspicious activities involving controlled goods through KPDN’s official complaint channels, including its hotline, email, call centre and mobile application.