ALOR STAR: The Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry seized about 10,000 litres of subsidised diesel worth RM21,500 during a raid on an illegal warehouse in the Bukit Kayu Hitam industrial area yesterday.
The ministry's state director Affendi Rajini Kanth said during the 4.30pm raid, its enforcement team also seized a 10-tonne lorry equipped with additional diesel tanks and two pallet tanks.
He said the raid was a result of a week-long undercover investigation at the storage facility.
"The warehouse served as a location where Thailand-registered vehicles would arrive to load the subsidised goods to smuggle it into Thailand.
"The total value of non-subsidised items confiscated in this case is valued at RM43,400, bringing the overall value of seized items to RM64,900," he said in a statement.
Affendi noted that the warehouse's workers and lorry drivers managed to escape into the nearby forest area during the operation.
He said the case is being investigated under the Supply Control Act of 1961.
"Upon conviction individuals may face fines not exceeding RM1 million or imprisonment not exceeding three years, or both. For repeat offences, the penalties are a fine not exceeding RM3 million or imprisonment not exceeding five years, or both.
"For corporate bodies, fines not exceeding RM2 million are applicable, and for a repeat offence, fines not exceeding RM5 million," he added.
Affendi gave his assurances that the ministry was committed to enhancing monitoring and operations on the distribution of subsidised goods.
"The purpose of providing subsidies is to reduce the cost of living for the people and not to be misused, thus denying the rights of the public who should rightfully benefit from these subsidies.
"At the same time, the public is encouraged to provide information to the ministry's office," he added.