RAWANG: Two men were arrested after authorities seized 11,900 litres of subsidised diesel allegedly diverted through the misuse of fleet cards at an illegal storage facility in Rawang.
Selangor Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry director Muhamad Hanif Asa'ari said the raid was conducted under Ops Tiris 4.0.
He said the storage facility was raided following intelligence gathering and the detection of suspected subsidised diesel diversion in the area.
The suspects, aged 29 and 68, are believed to have worked as the facility's caretaker and a tanker lorry driver respectively.
Muhamad Hanif said investigations found that the syndicate bought subsidised diesel at nearby petrol stations using fleet cards under the Subsidised Diesel Control System 2.0 before transferring it to buyers.
The seized items included 11,900 litres of subsidised diesel, a tanker lorry, a bonded lorry, 12 intermediate bulk containers, three sets of rubber hoses and a pump machine. Their total value was estimated at RM82,482.
He said drivers bought subsidised diesel at several nearby petrol stations using fleet cards and transferred it directly into buyers' lorries.
The diesel was also stored at the illegal facility in Rawang before being pumped into tanker lorries for delivery and sale to industrial operators or other buyers, he said.
Muhamad Hanif said an investigation paper had been opened under the Control of Supplies Act 1961 (Act 122) to identify the individuals or companies involved and trace the suspected diesel distribution network.
He warned companies and other parties against misusing the fleet cards.
Those found guilty could face action under Act 122, including fines of up to RM3 million and imprisonment for individuals, he said.
Companies and statutory bodies could face fines of up to RM5 million for repeat offences and could also be investigated under the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001, he added.
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