BY: Aida Aziz
KAMPAR: Two men have been apprehended on suspicion of involvement in the smuggling and diversion of subsidized diesel fuel in front of a truck workshop on Degung Road here on Tuesday.
The Director of the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs (KPDN) in Perak, Datuk Kamalludin Ismail, stated that the success of this arrest was the outcome of a two-week investigation by KPDN Perak’s enforcement team, prompted by a tip-off from the public.
He explained that the modus operandi of the syndicate involved using tanker trucks suspected to have modified the original vehicle tanks.
They would purchase diesel fuel from gas stations around Kampar and then transport it to a remote location for immediate resale to other tanker trucks.
This illegal activity was typically conducted in the early morning to avoid detection by authorities.
“At 6:20 AM on Tuesday, a team of officers and enforcement personnel from KPDN Perak carried out an inspection operation under Ops Tiris 2.0.
The investigation led them to two tanker trucks suspected of engaging in the sale of diesel fuel through direct transfer from one tanker to another in front of a truck workshop,” he said.
Upon inspection, the two tanker trucks were found to contain an estimated 13,000 litres of liquid believed to be diesel fuel.
Two local male drivers, aged 25 and 32, present at the scene, were detained for further investigation.
Kamalludin added that the truck drivers failed to produce any Control Supply Act (CSA) licenses for the wholesale, retail, or scheduled controlled goods permits for diesel fuel when requested.
As a result, the suspected 13,000 litres of diesel fuel and two tanker trucks were confiscated.
Furthermore, the total value of the seizure is estimated at RM428,450.
Kamalludin mentioned that the case would be investigated under the Control of Supplies Act 1961 and the Control of Supplies Regulations 1974.
He also urged the public to be vigilant and cooperate with authorities by providing information, especially regarding the smuggling of controlled and subsidized goods.
Information related to such activities can be reported to the nearest KPDN branch through various channels, including WhatsApp at 019-279 4317 / 019-848 8000, e-aduan.kpdn.gov.my, the call center at 1-800-886-800, e-aduan@kpdn.gov.my, and the Ez ADU KPDN smartphone application.
