The Perak Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) has captured an illegal diesel storage operation during a raid at a workshop in Simpang, Taiping. Perak KPDN director stated that the 1:20 a.m. operation led to the discovery of 36,000 litres of liquid suspected to be diesel stored in several intermediate bulk containers (IBC) and skid tanks.
A 30 year old local, who identified himself as a lorry driver, was unable to provide any authorisation documents, licenses, or permits to store controlled goods when questioned by enforcement officers. As a result, authorities seized 36,000 litres of suspected diesel, two lorries, a skid tank, 22 IBC tanks, and pumps, with the total seizure valued at approximately RM292,840 (USD 69,700). The case is being investigated under the Control of Supplies Act 1961.
The director explained that the syndicate’s modus operandi involved sourcing diesel from fishing boat operators and lorry drivers who siphoned fuel from their employers. The illicitly obtained diesel was purchased by the syndicate at around RM2.15 per litre and later resold to industries on the black market for about RM2.45 per litre, generating illegal profits from the controlled commodity.