Bagan Datuk:The local branch of the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) conducted a raid early this morning, seizing 25,500 litres of subsidised diesel intended for fishermen. The operation targeted a syndicate allegedly using a private jetty for fishing activities.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the raid, which took place at 12:30 am, was part of operations Ops Tiris 4.0 (Integrated) and Ops Taring Landai. Authorities confiscated a 30-tonne tanker lorry, three Class C boats, a Skid Tank, a pump with hoses, and several documents related to the operation.

The seized diesel is valued at approximately RM124,950, while the total value of the seized assets amounts to RM2.824 million. The case is being investigated under the Control of Supplies Act 1961 and the Control of Supplies Regulations 1974. Two men, a Malaysian lorry driver aged 49 and a 38-year-old Myanmar national serving as a boat skipper, were detained during the diesel transfer activity to assist in the investigation.

The diesel, suspected to be acquired through the fishermen's subsidy at RM1.65 per litre, was allegedly being resold at prices ranging from RM4 to RM5 per litre. Initial findings suggest that the diesel was intended for delivery to Penang for use in the quarry, factory, and transportation sectors. Authorities noted that the premises owner lacked a valid license or permit for handling controlled diesel goods.

The private jetty, operational for about two months, reportedly concealed its activities under the guise of fish landing and seafood operations, although no seafood was found on site. The Perak KPDN reported conducting four actions against diesel smuggling in Bagan Datuk this year, resulting in total seizures worth RM5.13 million, involving 121,160 litres of diesel and four Class C boats.

This incident highlights the ongoing issue of syndicates misusing subsidised diesel meant for fishermen, and the Perak KPDN's commitment to addressing the misuse and ensuring proper allocation of resources.