Diesel worth RM480,000 seized from docked vessel in Pekan
The discovery, made on May 11, has prompted an investigation into possible subsidised fuel smuggling activities involving ship-to-ship transfers at sea.
Acting on a tip-off, a team of enforcement officers from the Pahang Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry (KPDN) inspected the vessel, which was docked at a private jetty at around 8pm on Sunday.
Pahang KPDN director Jezlily Jamaluddin said that upon boarding the vessel, the 39-year-old captain — a Myanmar national — along with three crew members in their 30s, informed the officers that the ship had berthed due to a mechanical failure.
"The skipper claimed the vessel was carrying some 200,000 litres of diesel, intended for distribution to 30 other vessels owned by the company, which is based in Miri, Sarawak.
"However, the captain failed to produce any valid documentation for the consignment. Further inspection revealed eight storage tanks containing liquid suspected to be subsidised diesel," she told reporters after inspecting the seized vessel today.
Jezlily said initial investigations indicated that the vessel had been docked at the jetty for around two months and that the diesel was allegedly meant to be transferred into tanker lorries.
She said that the enforcement team detained four foreigners, including the captain, all of whom possessed valid travel documents.
Authorities also seized diesel valued at about RM480,000, along with the vessel.
Investigations are being conducted under the Supply Control Act 1961 (Act 122). Individuals found guilty under the Act may face fines of up to RM1 million for a first offence, and up to RM3 million or five years' imprisonment, or both, for subsequent offences.
Companies found guilty may be fined up to RM2 million for a first offence, and up to RM5 million for repeat offences.
Jezlily stressed that the ministry would not compromise with any party involved in such illegal activities and urged the public to report any suspected misappropriation of subsidised goods.
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