Gassy business: Five caught decanting LPG, RM280,000 worth of gas, equipment seized
Five men, aged between 30 and 40, believed to be members of a syndicate, were detained during the joint operation led by enforcement officers from the ministry's Putrajaya and Johor branches following weeks of surveillance.
The enforcement team found 1,357 gas cylinders and a lorry tanker suspected of containing subsidised liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) valued at nearly RM280,000.
Johor Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry director Lilis Saslinda Pornomo said the syndicate members had illegally transferred subsidised LPG from 14kg cylinders into the tanker, a practice known as decanting.
"The illicit activity violates the law, besides endangering lives and disrupting the subsidised fuel distribution system meant to benefit the public," she said in a statement today.
The seized items included decanting equipment and the lorry tanker.
The case was investigated under the Control of Supplies Act 1961, and first-time offenders faced fines of up to RM1 million or three years' jail upon conviction.
Repeat offenders might face up to RM3 million in fines or five years' jail. Companies could be fined up to RM2 million and RM5 million for subsequent offences.
Lisa said the ministry was also probing into the distribution chain of the seized LPG, including the origins of the supply to identify parties involved in the illegal trade.
Members of the public with information on LPG misappropriation are urged to report through the ministry's official channels, which included WhatsApp (019-8488000), e-Aduan portal (e-aduan@kpdn.gov.my), hotline (1-800-886-800) or the Ez ADU smartphone application.
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