Latest news with #JohorDomesticTradeandCostofLivingMinistry
New Straits Times
29-05-2025
- New Straits Times
Op Gasak: Authorities bust syndicate misusing subsidised LPG
KLUANG: The Johor Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry foiled a suspected illegal decanting operation involving liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) during a raid at a storage facility in Simpang Renggam today. The operation, conducted under Op Gasak, followed days of intelligence gathering and surveillance. Its director Lilis Saslinda Pornomo said officers discovered numerous LPG cylinders and hose connectors at the premises, believed to have been used to siphon subsidised gas from 14kg domestic cylinders into larger 50kg tanks intended for industrial use. "This unauthorised activity, known as decanting, is a serious offence under the Control of Supplies Act 1961. "A total of 247 LPG cylinders, both filled and empty, of various brands and sizes, along with equipment, were seized," she said in a statement today. The estimated value of the seizure is RM61,000, she said. She said durther investigations are ongoing to trace the supply chain and identify the individuals or companies involved, including the origin of the LPG and its distribution network. "If convicted, individuals face a maximum fine of RM1 million, up to three years' imprisonment, or both, while repeat offenders risk fines of up to RM3 million or five years' jail. "Companies may be fined up to RM2 million, and up to RM5 million for subsequent offences," she said. She said stern action would be taken against any syndicate found misusing subsidised controlled goods. The public is urged to report suspicious activities via the ministry's WhatsApp at 019-848 8000, the e-aduan portal at e-aduan@ or the call centre at 1-800-886-800.
New Straits Times
15-05-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Subsidy leak crackdown: 5 LPG wholesalers in Johor under investigation
JOHOR BARU: The Johor Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry has taken enforcement action against five liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) wholesalers suspected of breaching supply control regulations under Ops Gasak 2025. All five premises, located in Johor Baru and Kulai, were raided yesterday by a 23-member enforcement team during simultaneous inspections under the ministry's anti-leakage and manipulation campaign, Kita Gempur. The Kita Gempur initiative, launched last year by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, aims to combat unethical business practices involving the leakage of controlled and subsidised goods. Johor Domestic Trade director Lisa Saslinda Pornomo said investigations revealed that the wholesalers had failed to maintain or update critical sales and purchase records of subsidised LPG — a violation under the Control of Supplies Act 1961. "Officers seized laptops and documents, including invoices, delivery orders, and stock books from all five wholesalers for further investigation," she said in a statement today. Five cases were opened and notices issued under Section 8 of the Act, with all companies facing possible prosecution. Under the Act, individuals found guilty may be fined up to RM1 million, jailed for up to three years, or both. Repeat offenders face stiffer penalties of up to RM3 million or five years' imprisonment. Companies found guilty may be fined up to RM2 million for a first offence, and RM5 million for subsequent offences. Ops Gasak, which began on May 1, aims to dismantle syndicates abusing subsidised LPG. As of May 14, the ministry has inspected 98 premises across Johor, including laundromats, restaurants, and wholesalers. Six cases have been recorded: three in Johor Baru, two in Kulai, and one in Segamat. Lisa said enforcement would be swift and uncompromising to protect public interest and prevent leakages of government-subsidised goods. She also urged the public to report any suspicious activity involving subsidised goods via WhatsApp (019-848 8000), the e-Aduan portal (e-aduan@ the ministry's call centre (1-800-886-800), or the Ez ADU mobile app.
