KUALA LUMPUR: Authorities seized 64,100 litres of suspected misappropriated diesel worth RM439,085 and arrested four people, including a foreigner, during a raid at an industrial premises in Kedah on Wednesday.
The 11.30pm raid was carried out by Bukit Aman’s Wildlife Crime Bureau/Special Investigation Intelligence (WCB/PSK) under the Internal Security and Public Order Department, in collaboration with Kedah Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry enforcement officers.
WCB/PSK commander Datuk Mohd Zaki Ashar said those detained were believed to have acted as lorry drivers, workers and the premises owner.
He said further checks at the site led to the seizure of equipment and vehicles believed to have been used in the diesel misappropriation activity.
“The seizures involved two tanker lorries containing about 4,500 litres and 14,000 litres of diesel respectively, as well as three skid tanks containing about 18,000 litres, 13,000 litres and 14,000 litres of the fuel.
“Also seized were an intermediate bulk container (IBC) tank holding about 600 litres of diesel, two oil suction pumps, two metered suction pumps, three mobile phones, as well as equipment and vehicle keys believed to be linked to the activity,” he said in a statement today.
Zaki said the total value of the seizures, including related components, was estimated at RM1,074,585.
All suspects, together with the seized vehicles, diesel and equipment, were handed over to the Kedah Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry and the Kuala Muda police headquarters’ Criminal Investigation Department for further action and investigation.
“Investigations are also focusing on the involvement of each suspect and identifying whether there are other networks or parties linked to the misappropriation,” he said.
He said the case is being investigated under Section 21 of the Control of Supplies Act 1961 and Section 55B of the Immigration Act 1959/63, adding that enforcement will be intensified through intelligence, monitoring and integrated operations to curb the misappropriation and abuse of controlled goods.