Jawi: The Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) Penang successfully disrupted illegal LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) activities following a raid on a storage facility in Jawi last night.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Penang KPDN director S. Jegan stated that the raid, which commenced at 10:30 pm, was the culmination of three weeks of intelligence work after suspicions arose regarding the transfer of gas from subsidised LPG cylinders to industrial cylinders. During the operation, workers were found transferring gas from subsidised 14-kilogram (kg) LPG cylinders into larger 50kg cylinders. Equipment such as hoses was discovered, providing strong evidence of ongoing decanting activities at the site.

Authorities seized a total of 236 filled and empty LPG cylinders, amounting to 6,014kg of gas, along with two lorries and several documents. The total value of the seizures was estimated at RM77,044. A company manager and two workers, all local citizens aged between 23 and 33, were arrested to aid in the investigation.

Investigations revealed that the premises held a retail license to store 10,000 kg of LPG but exceeded its storage limit and engaged in profit-driven misappropriation. Jegan noted that the illegal activities had been occurring for the past three weeks, with gas transfers conducted at night to evade detection. Additionally, lookouts were positioned at the premises to prevent discovery.

The case is currently being investigated under the Control of Supplies Act 1961. Further investigations are underway to identify other individuals or companies involved and to trace the distribution chain linked to this illegal LPG activity.

Meanwhile, Jegan highlighted that since the launch of Ops Gasak on May 1, KPDN Penang has initiated 21 cases, resulting in seizures valued at RM120,492.80. KPDN remains committed to intensifying monitoring and enforcement to prevent the misappropriation of subsidised controlled goods intended for public benefit.