By : Aida Aziz
BAGAN DATUK: A privately owned fishing jetty, believed to be used for landing fish and seafood, was instead found to be concealing an operation to divert subsidised diesel meant for fishermen.
The activity was uncovered following intelligence and a raid on Tuesday during an integrated Ops Tiris 4.0 operation conducted by the Perak Enforcement Division of the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN), Teluk Intan Branch, together with the Kg Acheh Marine Police Team of Region One under Ops Taring Landai.
Perak KPDN director Datuk Kamalludin Ismail said further checks found a 30-tonne tanker transferring diesel from three boats at the jetty.
“Initial investigations found that the premises owner did not have a valid licence or permit for controlled diesel.
“The diesel is suspected to have been obtained through the fishermen’s subsidised supply channel at RM1.65 per litre.
“It is believed to have been intended for resale to certain parties at a higher price, estimated at between RM4 and RM5 per litre,” he said.
He said KPDN had taken action against the premises owner and buyer for allegedly committing offences under the Control of Supplies Act 1961.
KPDN also seized an estimated 25,500 litres of diesel, a 30-tonne tanker, three boats, a portable tank, a pump and hose, as well as several documents related to the operation for further investigation.
The total value of the seizures was estimated at RM2,824,950, including RM124,950 worth of diesel.
“Two individuals were detained to assist investigations, and the case will be investigated under the Control of Supplies Act 1961 and the Control of Supplies Regulations 1974,” he said.
