Diesel smuggling busted in Pasir Gudang, 47,450 litres seized

PASIR GUDANG: Some 47,540 litres of subsidised diesel have been seized by the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry (KPDN) in a raid at the Plentong Industrial area here.

Its acting Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali said that the raid under Ops Tiris was conducted by the Putrajaya KPDN at about 8.10pm on Saturday (Aug 19) after six months of investigation.

“The syndicate used several lorries to carry out their illegal operation. They would fill up the diesel from several petrol stations along the Pasir Gudang Highway, Masai and Kempas before bringing them to the store here to be sold illegally,” he said.

He said this in a statement after the raid on Saturday (Aug 19) night.

Armizan said that the Ministry also seized three lorries and a four-wheel drive during the raid.

“The total value of seized items, including the diesel, amounts to RM267,457.

“A 37-year-old man, who is a driver of one of the lorries, was also arrested to assist in the investigation,” he said.

He added that investigation papers have been opened under the Control of Supplies Act 1961 to identify the individuals and companies involved in the syndicate.

“The company involved will also be investigated under Anti-Money Laundering and Anti-Terrorism Financing Act 2001,” he said.

Armizan said that the Ministry takes the matter seriously and will take stern actions against those involved.

“We also hope that the public can be our eyes and ears and assist us in curbing activities that will cause a great loss to the people and country,” he said.