7,380 litres of misappropriated diesel seized in Penampang

KOTA KINABALU: Enforcement officers from the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry busted activities involving the misappropriation of diesel at Penampang near here.

The team monitored movements at an unnumbered storage house for a week before conducting their raid at Jalan Panglima Banting on Thursday (May 9).

The ministry’s Sabah director Georgie Abas said his men stormed the location at about 4.30pm and seized 7,380 litres of diesel.

He said the subsidised fuel was found in an intermediate bulk container and several skid tanks.

“We believe the diesel was being sold to the industrial sector,” he said, in a statement here on Friday (May 10).

“Along with the diesel, we also seized a van, rubber hoses and pump machine, all of which were valued at RM57,067.

“A local man believed to be the storekeeper was detained for further investigations,” Abas said.

Based on the initial probe, he said, the premises was not authorised to keep diesel.

He said the case would be investigated under the Control of Supplies Act 1961 and Control of Supplies Regulations 1974.

He warned that individuals found guilty under the Control of Supplies Act 1961 face a fine up to RM1mil and up to RM3mil or three years in jail, or both, for subsequent offences.

As for organisations, he added, any companies committing an offence under the same law faced a maximum fine of RM2mil and RM5mil for subsequent offences, on conviction.

“We will continue to hold checks and monitor activities related to controlled goods in Sabah to curb misappropriation,” Abas said.

He said anyone with information pertaining to misappropriation activities can reach the ministry via WhatsApp at 019-848 8000 or online through eaduan.kpdn.gov.my.

They could also call 1-800-886-800 or use the smartphone app Ez ADU KPDN.