KUCHING: The Domestic Trade and Costs of Living Ministry (KPDN) successfully thwarted an illicit activity during a subsidised diesel oil smuggling operation today.
According to its state director Matthew Dominic Barin, officers involved in Ops Tiris apprehended a local man driving a van in a suspicious manner, which led to the confiscation of a van, a 1,000-litre square plastic tank, a 12v electric pump with a transparent hose, and an estimated 900 litres of diesel oil valued at RM1,935.
“The total value of the confiscated items amounted to RM12,535.
“During the inspection, a team of four KPDN Kuching enforcers apprehended a local resident at the scene. The case is being investigated under Section 20 (1) of the Supply Control Act 1961, pertaining to the possession of controlled items at an unauthorised location.
“Upon conviction, for corporate entities, a fine not exceeding RM2 million for the first offence and not exceeding RM5 million for the second offence; or for individuals, a fine not exceeding RM1 million or imprisonment not exceeding three years, or both, for the first offence will be imposed.
“And a fine not exceeding RM3 million or imprisonment not exceeding five years, or both, for the second offence,” he said.
Matthew added, from Jan 1 to Aug 31 this year, KPDN Sarawak has initiated a total of 167 cases under the Supply Control Act 1961, with confiscated items valued at RM10,069,143.27 and compound fines totalling RM574,500.00.
Furthermore, KPDN Sarawak enforcers have conducted 1,505 inspections of diesel oil stations and wholesalers across Sarawak since March 1 under the Ops Tiris. These inspections are carried out to ensure that traders comply with the Supply Act 1961 and its regulations.
“The public is urged to play an active role in assisting the ministry by providing information on any illicit activities related to controlled and subsidised goods. This effort aims to root out these illegal activities that cause substantial harm to the people and the nation,” he added.
