KOTA KINABALU: Authorities seized 3,715 litres of subsidised diesel that was kept at an unlicensed storage premises in Penampang early Friday (June 3).

       Sabah Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry enforcement chief Zulfamy Mat Udi said the raid was conducted at 1.40am by their enforcement team, following a two-week intelligence work.

       Also confiscated were a four-wheel drive, tanks in the storage, an electric pump and rubber hose, with a total seizure amounting to RM60,487, he said in a statement here.

       “When the raid was conducted, a man was inside the said vehicle parked in front of the storage.

       “Further checks on the car found five drums of 165 litres of diesel, while 3,550 litres of diesel were inside the store, kept in plastic tanks.

       “Initial investigations found that the premises did not have permission or own a valid licence to keep the controlled goods in the location,” said Zulfamy.

       The case is being investigated under Section 21 of the Control of Supplies Act 1961 for unlawful possession of controlled articles, and read together with Regulation 3(1) of the Control of Supplies Regulations 1974.

       He reminded gas station operators to not sell subsidised diesel and RON95 fuel to consumers who did not possess written approval from the ministry, as action could also be taken against any errant operators.

       “Our teams will continue to conduct inspections and regular monitoring to ensure no misappropriation involving RON95 and diesel in Sabah,” he said while urging public members to report such illegal activities to them.