KPDN Probes 11 Kelantan Petrol Stations For fuel Sale Violations

KOTA BHARU, Oct 22 (Bernama) -- A total of 11 petrol stations in Kelantan are under investigation for allegedly violating licence operating conditions by repeatedly selling petrol to the same vehicles in an attempt to divert subsidised fuel.

Kelantan Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry (KPDN) director Azman Ismail said that of the total, one station owner will be charged soon, while the others are still under investigation.

He said all cases were recorded since early January, with preliminary investigations showing that the station owners failed to comply with regulations governing the sale of subsidised petrol.

“The investigation was conducted under Regulation 12(a) of the Control of Supplies Regulations 1974 for suspected repeated sales to certain parties in an attempt to divert subsidised fuel.

“All the stations involved are located along the Malaysia-Thailand border, with most of the cases recorded in Tumpat,” he told Bernama recently.

Azman said in the latest case yesterday, the ministry investigated a petrol station in Wakaf Bharu, Tumpat for a similar offence after it was found allowing repeated fuel purchases by the same individual.

A 29-year-old local man was detained after filling subsidised petrol into a modified Proton Iswara fuel tank at about 11.50 am.

“Further inspection uncovered 90 litres of petrol stored in an additional tank inside the vehicle and three plastic containers containing another 30 litres of petrol.

“As a result, investigations were conducted under Regulation 12(a) of the Control of Supplies Regulations 1974, and several key documents, including stock books and sales records, were seized from the station owner to assist in the probe,” he said.

He added that although the seized fuel was valued at only RM312, the repeated purchases were believed to be intended for stockpiling before smuggling, leading to national revenue leakage.

“In this case, the suspect is believed to have attempted to smuggle the subsidised petrol across the border. The case is being investigated under Section 21 of the Control of Supplies Act 1961 for possession of controlled goods with the intent to commit an offence.

“KPDN will not compromise with any party involved in the diversion of subsidised goods, and stern action will continue to be taken to protect consumer interests and ensure supply stability,” he said.

-- BERNAMA