KPDN Seizes Subsidised Diesel, Arrests Two Men In Sandakan

SANDAKAN, April 4 (Bernama) -- The Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) branch here arrested two men and seized 120 litres of subsidised diesel during a raid at a petrol station yesterday.

Sandakan KPDN chief enforcement officer Joe Azmi Jamil said in the 11.12 am raid, the suspects, aged 34 and 49, one of whom is a foreigner, failed to produce any permit or authorisation to purchase the fuel in jerrycans.

"Seven jerrycans filled with the fuel were found in the back of a four-wheel-drive vehicle. The total value of the seizure, including the vehicle, is estimated at RM70,258," he said in a statement today.

Joe Azmi said the raid was the result of intelligence gathered by enforcement officers to ensure that diesel sold at the subsidised price of RM2.15 per litre is not exploited by smuggling syndicates or ineligible industrial sectors.

He added that both suspects, as well as the petrol station operator, are being investigated under the Control of Supplies Act 1961.

Joe Azmi also said that the KPDN branch is actively monitoring activities under Ops Tiris 4.0 to combat the misappropriation of subsidised goods.

"Petrol station operators are reminded to comply with the directive in force since April 1, which limits diesel sales for land transport vehicles to 50, 100, or 150 litres per transaction, depending on the vehicle category," he said.

He also urged the public to report such activities via WhatsApp at 019-8488 000, the e-Aduan KPDN portal (https://eaduan.kpdn.gov.my), the call centre at 1-800-886-800, or the Ez ADU KPDN smart mobile phone app.

-- BERNAMA