KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry has successfully dismantled an illicit operation involving controlled goods during a raid at an unnumbered warehouse opposite SJK (C) Kuok Ming in Pasir Putih, Tawau, today.
During the 2.20pm raid, ministry officers seized 4,000 litres of diesel and detained a 31-year-old local man.
Acting on a week-long intelligence operation, the ministry's state director Georgie Abas said that the team discovered the diesel stored in 18 units of 200-litre drums and a trailer tank with a 20,000-litre capacity, both suspected of being misappropriated.
"A man, believed to be the warehouse keeper, was arrested and questioned to assist in the investigation," he said in a statement.
In addition to the diesel, several items linked to the illicit activities were seized, including an Isuzu Single Cab four-wheel-drive vehicle, a modified fibre tank with a 1,000-litre capacity, rubber hoses, two oil pump machines, and the trailer tank. The total value of the seizures amounted to RM104,500.
"The premises did not possess any valid permits or licenses to store diesel oil," Abas confirmed.
The case is being investigated under Section 21 of the Supplies Control Act 1961 for possessing controlled goods with the intent to commit offenses under the same act. Individuals found guilty could face fines up to RM1 million, with subsequent offences punishable by fines up to RM3 million or imprisonment for up to three years, or both. Companies found guilty could be fined up to RM2 million, and for subsequent offences, up to RM5 million.
"We will continue to conduct inspections and continuous monitoring of all controlled goods-related activities in the state to prevent any form of misappropriation," he assured.
The public is encouraged to report any activities violating the law to the ministry via WhatsApp at 019-848 8000, the ministry's e-complaint portal at http://eaduan.kpdn.gov.my, the call center at 1-800-886-800, or the Ez ADU KPDN Smartphone Application.