The Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry (KPDN) has crippled a syndicate suspected of misusing fleet cards to siphon subsidised diesel following a raid on a licensed wholesaler’s premises in Nibong Tebal.
The integrated operation, codenamed Ops Tiris 4.0, was carried out jointly with the Special Branch (E5) of the Penang police contingent headquarters after three weeks of intelligence gathering and surveillance.
Penang KPDN director S. Jegan said initial inspections at the premises uncovered activities involving the misappropriation of subsidised diesel, with authorities seizing 13 fleet cards believed to have been used in the operation.
“Investigations found that the premises was used as a transfer point for diesel from prime movers, which are believed to have repeatedly purchased fuel from nearby petrol stations using fleet cards,” he said at the scene.
Enforcement officers seized three prime movers, pumps, closed-circuit television (CCTV) equipment, purchase receipts and several business documents to assist investigations.
Authorities discovered about 10,600 litres of suspected diesel stored in five skid tanks and the original tanks of the prime movers, with the controlled goods valued at approximately RM53,000. The total value of the seizure was estimated at RM205,000.
Jegan confirmed that seven local men have been detained to assist investigations.
The case is being investigated under Regulation 3(1) of the Control of Supplies Regulations 1974 for selling controlled goods without a licence, and Regulation 11 for purchasing controlled goods from unauthorised sources.
He said investigations were ongoing to identify individuals and companies involved in the diesel distribution chain, including the source of supply.
“Those convicted under the Control of Supplies Act 1961 face fines of up to RM1 million for the first offence and up to RM3 million for subsequent offences for individuals, or imprisonment of up to three years, or both. Companies may be fined up to RM2 million for the first offence and up to RM5 million for subsequent offences,” he added.
KPDN has pledged to continue strengthening enforcement and monitoring efforts, with Jegan warning that strict action will be taken against any misuse of fleet cards for subsidised fuel diversion.
Source: NST
