Labuan: The Labuan branch of the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) seized diesel and related items, worth RM83,806, in two separate cases during an integrated Ops Tiris 4.0 operation here today. In the first case, the KPDN enforcement team detained a 26-year-old local man near Saguking Warehouse at Jalan Tuanku Sharif Kedah after inspecting a single-cab vehicle.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Labuan KPDN director Junaidah Arbain revealed that the inspection found five drums containing liquid believed to be diesel, estimated at about 1,000 litres, together with equipment including hoses and an electric pump. "Further checks resulted in the driver being unable to produce any permit or written approval from the Malaysian Supply Controller for the possession of the diesel for use here," she stated. The seizure in the first case was estimated at RM53,720.
In the second case, KPDN detected another suspected diesel misappropriation activity at a petrol station involving a 39-year-old local man driving a van belonging to an industrial company. Junaidah noted that an inspection revealed the driver filling diesel into a 20-litre container, a task that had been repeatedly carried out, with the diesel collected inside the vehicle. "The driver also failed to produce a special permit when requested by the enforcement team," she added. The seizure in the second case was valued at RM30,086.
Junaidah emphasized that possession of scheduled controlled goods exceeding the permitted quantity without a permit is an offence under the Control of Supplies Act 1961. "All seized items have been confiscated for further investigation under the same Act," she mentioned.
She further explained that if convicted, individuals could face fines up to RM1 million, imprisonment for up to three years, or both, while companies might face fines up to RM2 million. "KPDN would not compromise with any party involved in the misappropriation of controlled goods and government subsidies. Enforcement would continue to be strengthened to curb leakages and ensure subsidised supplies reached the intended target groups," she concluded.
Members of the public with information on misconduct involving controlled goods are urged to lodge complaints via 1-800-886-800, the Ez ADU KPDN application, the e-aduan.kpdn.gov.my portal, or at any nearby KPDN office.