Melaka: The Melaka Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) seized 6,000 litres of diesel believed to have been diverted in an Integrated Op Tiris 4.0 raid on a premises in Taman IKS Paya Rumput here last night. Its director Dr Mohd Hazimin Jamaludin said also seized in the raid at 9 pm last night were a lorry, an additional tank with a capacity of 3,000 litres, two skid tanks, two fuel cards, several fuel pumps and a flow meter estimated to be worth a total of RM106,345.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, all the equipment and vehicles were believed to be used for illegal storage and sale of diesel at the unnamed premises. “In addition, a local man and a Bangladeshi man, both in their 40s, who were in the premises were also detained to assist in the investigation,” said Dr Mohd Hazimin. “The raid was carried out based on intelligence and planned monitoring in an effort to curb diesel diversion activities in Melaka, thus ensuring that the leakage of state subsidies can be completely contained,” he added.
The case is being investigated under the Control of Supplies Act 1961 for violating Subregulation 21(1) of the Control of Supplies Regulations 1974, which pertains to carrying out wholesale, retail, or manufacturing transactions of any scheduled goods (diesel) without a valid license from the director of Supply Control.
Dr Mohd Hazimin reminded individuals or companies not to manipulate, divert or deal with controlled goods without a valid permit and license. He emphasized that strict action without compromise would be taken against any party found to be violating the law, especially involving the diversion of subsidised goods.
“The Melaka KPDN will continue to intensify its commitment in combating the leakage of controlled goods through firm and continuous enforcement actions to protect the interests of consumers and the country’s economic stability,” he stated. “Consumers are also asked to be the eyes and ears of KPDN in reporting misconduct related to trade activities and consumer issues through various complaint channels including WhatsApp at 019-848 8000 and the [email protected] portal,” Dr Mohd Hazimin concluded.