SANDAKAN: The Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) Sandakan branch foiled an attempt to misappropriate subsidised diesel during Ops Tiris 4.0 at a fuel station here on April 3.
The operation took place about 11.12 am, where enforcement officers seized 120 litres of subsidised diesel stored in seven jerry cans found in the rear of a four-wheel-drive vehicle. The total estimated value of the seizure is RM70,258.
Two men, aged between 34 and 49—one Malaysian and one foreigner—were detained. Neither individual possessed any permit or authorisation to purchase the subsidised diesel, Sandakan KPDN enforcement chief Joe Azmi Jamil said.
The raid followed a KPDN directive that took effect on April 1, for Sabah, Sarawak, and the Federal Territory of Labuan. The directive requires petrol station licensees to control diesel sales for land transport vehicles according to vehicle category, with transaction limits set at 50, 100, or 150 litres. This measure aims to prevent the exploitation of subsidized diesel—priced at RM2.15 per litre in these regions—by smuggling syndicates or ineligible industrial sectors, he said.
“The case is being investigated under the Control of Supplies Act 1961. Individuals convicted may face a fine of up to RM1 million, imprisonment of up to three years, or both. For a second or subsequent offence, penalties increase to a fine of up to RM3 million, imprisonment of up to five years, or both. Companies found guilty may be fined up to RM2 million, and up to RM5 million for subsequent offences,” he added.
KPDN reminded all petrol station operators to comply with the April 1 directive and strictly enforce the diesel sales limits. Operators are also prohibited from selling RON95 petrol or subsidised diesel to buyers without written authorisation from the Malaysian Controller of Supplies.
Continuous inspections and monitoring under Ops Tiris 4.0 will be conducted to eradicate any form of misappropriation of controlled goods in the Sandakan district. Members of the public are encouraged to provide information but are reminded to remain prudent and responsible, and to refrain from sharing unverified news that could cause public panic or concern, Joe Azmi said. – James Leong
The four-wheel-drive vehicle is detained by KPDN Sandakan enforcement personnel at a fuel station during the operation.
