RM100,000 worth of subsidised LPG seized in Puchong raid

New Straits Times

24-05-2025

PUCHONG: More than one tonne of subsidised liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) was seized in a raid conducted by the Selangor Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry under Op Gasak yesterday.
Selangor ministry chief enforcement officer, Mohd Hanizam Kechek, said the syndicate was found to be involved in 'decanting' — a process of transferring LPG from 14kg domestic cylinders into larger industrial 50kg cylinders.
"During the raid and inspection of the premises, enforcement officers discovered a lorry with two foreign men in their late 40s inside.
"The individuals were in the midst of decanting subsidised 14kg LPG into 50kg commercial cylinders in the back of the lorry," he said in a statement today.
Both suspects were arrested and their statements recorded as part of the preliminary investigation.
Hanizam added that the syndicate was believed to be conducting the decanting process inside the lorry in an attempt to avoid detection by authorities.
Various tools used for the decanting process were also found at the scene, including connecting hoses, ice containers, and blocks of ice used in the transfer process.
"Based on these findings, we suspect the syndicate was selling 50kg LPG cylinders — illegally filled with subsidised gas — to industrial users at below-market prices," he said.
More than 90 LPG cylinders of various brands, ranging from 14kg to 50kg, were seized, with an estimated total LPG weight of over 1,000kg and valued at more than RM100,000.
The case is being investigated under the Supply Control Act 1961, which carries a fine of up to RM1 million and imprisonment for a first offence, and up to RM3 million for subsequent offences.
Hanizam said the operation was carried out in cooperation with the Selangor police Special Branch, following a month-long intelligence operation targeting the syndicate.