MIRI: A local man has been detained for possessing 1,357.91 liters of diesel worth about RM2,470 without a permit from the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs.
The ministry’s Miri branch enforcement chief Joe Azmi Jamil said, the man was caught transporting the diesel in a vehicle on Friday afternoon at a petrol station in Lambir.
Also seized was the vehicle valued at RM50,000.
It is believed that the suspect had planned to smuggle and sell the diesel in the rural areas.
“The suspect failed to furnish any document to prove that he has a permit to own such a large quantity of diesel, which is a controlled item,” said Azmi.
The man was detained for investigations under the Supply Control Act 1961, which provides for a fine of RM1million for individual offenders and RM2million for companies upon conviction.
Azmi said that under the law, the public are not permitted to purchase more diesel or petrol than could fit the tank of their vehicle without a permit.
He reminded petrol stations not to sell to the public more than the quantity allowed under the Act.
“Stern action will be taken against them is they are caught,” he warned.
