KOTA KINABALU: Sabah Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) Ministry foiled the embezzlement of 17,195 litres of diesel at a store in Kampung Kionsom near here.
In the operation at 5.20pm yesterday, officers found the fuel kept in a tanker, skid tank and drum barrel.
They also confiscated equipment worth RM93,660.25 believed to be used for the embezzlement.
Sabah KPDN director Georgie Abas said a local man believed to be the owner of the store was also arrested to assist in the investigation in accordance with the Supply Control Act 1961.
He said, based on preliminary evidence, the owner of the store claimed that the controlled items were obtained from a legitimate industrial diesel supplier.
"However, they failed to submit any valid authorisation and licence documents to store controlled items.
"An investigation will be carried out in accordance with Section 20(1) of the Supply Control Act 1961 for storing controlled goods in a place without permission," he said in a media statement today.
Georgie said the investigation would also be carried out in accordance with Section 21 of the same act for possessing controlled goods with the intention of committing an offence which is read together with Regulation 3(1) of the Supply Control Regulations 1974, which is conducting controlled goods transactions without a licence.
He said, according to the Supply Control Act 1961 (Act 122), any individual convicted of an offence can be fined not more than RM1 million, while for subsequent offences not more than RM3 million or imprisonment not more than three years or both.
"As for the company, if found guilty, it can lead to a fine not exceeding RM2 million, while for subsequent offences not exceeding RM5 million.
"The ministry will also take strict action by temporarily suspending the licence of the gas station operator involved until the investigation is completed," he said.
George urged those with information about violations of the law to channel complaints through the WhatsApp application on 019-279 4317 and 019-848 8000.
"Information can also be channelled through the Complaints Portal: e-aduan.kpdnhep.gov.my as well as Call Center 1-800-886-800.
"Complaints can also be sent to e-aduan@kpdnhep.gov.my; Ez ADU KPDNHEP or come in person to the nearest KPDN Office," he said.