Diesel smuggling attempt foiled in Kepayan raid
KOTA KINABALU (Aug 8): The Ministry of Domestic Trade and Costs of Living (KPDN) has thwarted an attempt to smuggle subsidised diesel from a premises along Jalan Bunga Raya in Kepayan on Thursday.
Sabah KPDN Chief Enforcement Officer Peter J. Berinus Agang said 16,180 litres of diesel, a Toyota Land Cruiser four-wheel drive, and several pieces of equipment worth a total of RM34,650 were seized in the 10.30am raid.
A local man in his 20s, believed to be the caretaker of the premises, was detained to assist in investigations under the Control of Supplies Act 1961, Peter said in a statement on Friday.
He said the raid followed public complaints and two weeks of intelligence gathering by enforcement officers. Initial investigations revealed the premises did not have a valid licence or permission to store controlled goods.
Anyone convicted under the Control of Supplies Act 1961 faces a fine of up to RM1 million, a maximum jail term of three years, or both, while companies may be fined up to RM2 million.
Peter urged the public to continue providing valuable information to the ministry through its call centre at 1-800-886-800 or WhatsApp at 019-848 8000.
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