KPDN's Ops Tiris 4.0 Cripples Diesel Diversion Syndicate In Kota Kinabalu

KOTA KINABALU, April 14 (Bernama) -- The Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) Kota Kinabalu has crippled a subsidised diesel diversion syndicate following an Ops Tiris 4.0 raid at a petrol station in the city yesterday.

Sabah KPDN director Shahril Nizam Shahidin said the operation was based on intelligence gathered by the Sabah Intelligence Unit, leading to the immediate deployment of enforcement officers to the location for swift and effective action.

During the operation at approximately 12.05 pm, he said, officers found two vehicles parked at two fuel pumps suspected of being involved in an organised diesel diversion scheme.

"Both vehicles were fitted with additional Intermediate Bulk Container (IBC) tanks with a capacity of 1,000 litres each, containing an estimated 800 litres of diesel per vehicle," he said in a statement today.

“Investigations revealed the syndicate pumped diesel into the vehicle's original tank, then transferred it via a modified hose and electric pump into IBC tanks,” he added.

Shahril Nizam said two individuals in their 30s were ordered to produce documents related to controlled goods, stock books and receipts for diesel purchases and sales, but failed to do so.

He said the total value of seizures for both cases amounted to RM22,745, including an Isuzu Trooper, a Toyota Lite Ace van, IBC tanks, an electric pump, rubber hoses and diesel.

The case is being investigated under Section 21 of the Control of Supplies Act 1961 for possession of controlled goods with the intent to commit an offence.

"KPDN stresses that any form of subsidised controlled goods diversion is a serious offence that harms the public interest and national economy, and will not be tolerated. Firm, uncompromising action will be taken against all violators.

"All parties, particularly petrol station owners, must fully comply with the law and government directives to ensure that subsidies are distributed fairly, transparently, and effectively," he said.

Shahril Nizam also urged the public to act as KPDN's eyes and ears by providing accurate information on any controlled goods diversion activities, enabling swift and effective enforcement action.

-- BERNAMA