KPDN seizes 500 litres of suspected illegal diesel in Semaba raid

KUCHING (April 9): Enforcement officers from the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) Sarawak seized 500 litres of diesel worth RM1,075 believed to be stored illegally during a raid on a storage premises in Semaba on Wednesday.

KPDN Sarawak director Matthew Dominic Barid said the raid, conducted under Ops Tiris 4.0 at about 10.48am, was carried out following intelligence gathered, in a joint operation with the Royal Malaysia Police Special Branch.

“A further inspection found the diesel stored in an intermediate bulk container (IBC) tank, with the total value of the seizure estimated at RM3,625,” he said in a statement.

Matthew said the premises was believed to have been used as an illegal storage site for controlled diesel purchased from petrol stations before being resold to buyers.

“One case has been recorded under Ops 555 and is being investigated under Section 21 of the Control of Supplies Act 1961 for possession of controlled goods under suspicious circumstances,” he said.

He added that individuals convicted under the Act may face a fine of up to RM1 million, imprisonment of up to three years, or both, with heavier penalties for repeat offences.

Companies, meanwhile, may be fined up to RM2 million, increasing to RM5 million for subsequent offences.

Matthew said KPDN Sarawak remains committed to strengthening cooperation with enforcement agencies, including the police, to curb the misappropriation of controlled goods, particularly diesel.

“We will not compromise with any party involved in such activities to ensure government subsidies reach the intended groups and are not misused or smuggled out of the country,” he said.

He also urged the public to act as the ministry’s eyes and ears by reporting suspicious activities involving traders or distributors through official complaint channels.