JOHOR BAHRU – The Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry in Johor seized 70,000L of subsidised diesel worth RM150,500 after raiding a premises in Taman Impian Emas here today.
The ministry’s Johor director Lilis Saslinda Pornomo said the premises, used as a collection and transit store, was raided by ministry enforcement officers and police at 1.15pm.
She said that three men were transferring diesel from large tanks to tanker trucks when the raid occurred. However, they managed to escape into the nearby bushes.
“The investigation revealed that this premises was being used as a storage facility for subsidised diesel before being transported to customers’ designated locations,” she told a press conference at the site of the raid.
She said that investigations showed the syndicate had been operating for over six months, and it was believed to have used the same modus operandi as other syndicates: purchasing diesel at petrol stations using various vehicles such as lorries and vans.
“Subsequently, the syndicate used this storage facility as a transit point by filling diesel into existing tanks before suctioning it into tanker trucks and delivering it to customers,” she said.
Lilis Saslinda added that they also seized two tanker trucks and two large tanks, and that further investigations would be conducted to trace the individuals involved, including the landowners of the premises.
The case is being investigated under Section 21 of the Control of Supplies Act 1961. – May 26, 2024