KPDN Raid Uncovers Illegal Distribution Of Subsidised LPG, Diesel At Three Premises

PUTRAJAYA, Jan 17 (Bernama) -- The Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) recently conducted three successful raids, uncovering widespread misappropriation and illegal distribution of subsidised liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and diesel.

KPDN enforcement deputy director general (Operations) Shamsul Nizam Khalil said the first raid occurred on Jan 15 at an unlicenced facility in Rantau, Negeri Sembilan, where a syndicate was found  involved in ‘decanting’ operations, transferring subsidised LPG from 14-kilogram (kg) cylinders into 50kg cylinders.

“The syndicate obtained subsidised LPG from licenced wholesalers in Sepang, Selangor, and stored it at the premises before redistributing it illegally,” Shamsul Nizam said. The cylinders were than sold at market price for industrial LPG.

The second raid took place on the same evening at another unlicenced facility in Mantin, Negeri Sembilan where authorities discovered 14kg LPG cylinders and 1kg cooking oil packages being stored without valid documentation under the Control of Supplies Act 1961.

Additionally, 15,000 litres of diesel, also without proper documentation, were seized from an industrial premises in Seri Kembangan in Selangor.

In total, authorities seized 559 LPG cylinders, 17 boxes of 1kg cooking oil packages, 15,000 litres of diesel, three trucks and various business documents, valued at RM351,367.70.

"KPDN detained eight men, including three foreigners, aged between 20 and 50, to assist in the investigation.

“Three investigation papers have been opened under the Control of Supplies Act 1961 to identify others involved, including licenced suppliers and wholesalers," Shamsul Nizam said.

He also reported that under Op Tiris 3.0 which began on Jan 1, KPDN conducted 45,522 inspections which led to 2,860 cases with a total seizure value of RM94.22 million and the detention of 626 individuals.

Of the 217 cases involving controlled LPG goods nationwide, seizures amounted to RM833,737.90,” he added.

-- BERNAMA