Penang: The Penang branch of the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Living Costs (KPDN) has thwarted diesel embezzlement activities involving the seizure of 5,000 litres of the fuel following a raid on an unlicensed store in Sungai Lokan here this afternoon. Its director, S. Jegan, stated that the operation at 3 pm was conducted by a team of enforcement officers based on intelligence gathered since last week after receiving information about the transfer of subsidised fuel at the premises.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the inspection results revealed a liquid suspected to be diesel in a tank estimated to contain 5,000 litres. Further inspection found that the premises failed to submit the documents related to the licence or permit to possess and manage scheduled controlled goods as required under the law.

Jegan explained that the syndicate's modus operandi involved using the location as a transfer point for diesel fuel from lorries, which were believed to be collecting the fuel from stations around Penang before allegedly reselling it to industrial parties. A Myanmar national in his 30s, employed at the premises, was also detained to assist in the investigation.

Additionally, Jegan noted that his team seized IBC and skid tanks, a set of hoses and pipes, one pump unit, and several related business documents to aid further investigations, with the total value of the seizure estimated at RM60,000. Preliminary investigations indicated that the premises had been operating for a month, and efforts were underway to identify the owner and individuals involved in the activity.

The case is being investigated under Section 21 of the Control of Supplies Act 1961, which pertains to possessing controlled goods with the intention to commit an offence.