KOTA KINABALU: Authorities seized 3,715 litres of subsidised diesel that were kept at a Penampang storage facility without licence.
Sabah Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry enforcement chief Zulfamy Mat Udi said the raid was conducted at 1.40am yesterday by their enforcement team following two weeks of intelligence work.
Also confiscated were a four-wheel-drive vehicle, tanks in the storage, an electric pump and rubber hose, with the total seizure amounting to RM60,487, he said in a statement.
“When the raid was conducted, a man was inside the said vehicle parked in front of the storage.
“Further checks on the car found five drums of 165 litres of diesel while another 3,550 litres were inside the store, kept in plastic tanks.
“Initial investigation found that the premises does not have permission or own a valid licence to keep the controlled goods in the location,” said Zulfamy.
The case is being investigated under Section 21 of the Control of Supplies Act 1961 for unlawful possession of controlled articles, read together with Regulation 3(1) of the Control of Supplies Regulations 1974.
Zulfamy reminded gas station operators not to sell subsidised diesel and RON95 fuel to consumers who did not possess written approval from the ministry, adding that errant operators could also face action from the authorities.
“We will continue to carry out inspection and monitor such activities regularly to ensure there is no misappropriation involving RON95 and diesel,” he said, urging the public to report such illegal activities to the ministry.