Diesel Smuggling Attempt Busted at Cemetery Site in Kedah

JITRA: Enforcement officers from Malaysia’s Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry (KPDN) in Kedah have foiled an illegal diesel transfer operation conducted in an open area of a Chinese cemetery in Sungai Pasir, Sungai Petani.

The raid, carried out at approximately 2pm on Sunday (May 3), followed two weeks of intelligence gathering by enforcement authorities. During the operation, officers caught two local men, aged in their 40s and 50s, in the act of transferring diesel from a cargo lorry into a tanker lorry.

Kedah KPDN enforcement chief Zalina Aziz said the cargo vehicle had been fitted with an intermediate bulk container (IBC) tank, which was being used to facilitate the illegal transfer.

Authorities seized around 2,900 liters of diesel, estimated to be worth RM44,848. Also confiscated were a cargo lorry, a tanker lorry, two IBC tanks, and various equipment used in the operation. The total value of the seized items is estimated at RM165,248.

“Initial investigations revealed that the suspects did not possess any valid permits or authorization to store or handle controlled goods,” Zalina said when addressing reporters on Monday (May 4).

She stressed that strict action will be taken against those found misusing subsidized or controlled items such as diesel, warning that such activities undermine government regulations and economic stability.

Members of the public are encouraged to report suspicious activities involving controlled goods through KPDN’s official channels, including its WhatsApp hotline at 019-848 8000, toll-free number 1-800-886-800, or via the e-aduan complaint portal.

The case is currently under investigation under relevant laws governing controlled goods and anti-profiteering regulations.