RM4.9m Petrol Seizure Highlights Growing Black-Market Threat to Energy Security
PUTRAJAYA — Authorities have detained 10 individuals and seized petrol and equipment worth more than RM4.9 million in an operation targeting illegal fuel smuggling activities linked to the black market.
Enforcement director-general of the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living, Azman Adam said the enforcement operation conducted on March 11 intercepted a tanker lorry while it was transferring controlled goods to a tanker vessel docked at a port.
Initial inspections revealed that several tanks aboard the vessel were believed to contain petrol suspected of being prepared for illegal distribution.
“Further checks discovered 929,124 litres of petrol stored in four tanks on the vessel, with an estimated value of about RM2.6 million,” he said in a statement today.
Ten Individuals Arrested
Azman said enforcement officers detained nine foreign nationals and one Malaysian man during the operation to assist with the investigation.
Authorities also seized the tanker vessel, the tanker lorry and the petrol involved in the suspected transfer activity.
Other items believed to have been used in the smuggling operation were confiscated as well, including rubber hoses and relevant documents connected to the transaction.
The total value of the seized items was estimated at RM4,902,952.13.
Investigation Under Supply Control Law
The case is being investigated under Section 20(1) of the Control of Supplies Act 1961, which governs the handling and movement of controlled goods without proper authorisation.
Authorities stressed that enforcement efforts will continue to be intensified to combat fuel smuggling activities that could undermine the country’s economy and threaten national energy security.
-wilayah.com.my
