A man has been detained after authorities foiled an attempt to store and possess a large quantity of petrol without permission in an operation at Jeti Kampung Air, Pekan Semporna.
The raid was carried out by the General Operations Force (PGA) Battalion 22 Kunak, where officers seized 675 litres of petrol along with a wooden boat without registration and a Yamaha 40HP outboard engine.
The case has been handed over to the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) Semporna branch for further action under the Control of Supplies Act 1961.
According to a KPDN spokesperson, the suspect—who only possessed a birth certificate—failed to produce any written authorisation from the Controller of Supplies to store or possess controlled goods.
The seized petrol is estimated to be worth RM2,646, while the total value of all items, including the boat and engine, amounts to RM5,244.40.
Investigators have since opened a case file under the Control of Supplies Act 1961 for further action.
Officials said the operation was conducted under Ops Tiris 4.0 (Integrated), which has been intensified to curb the diversion and smuggling of subsidised controlled goods in Semporna, including surrounding waters.
KPDN reiterated that it will not compromise with any individual or company found violating laws related to controlled goods.
Offenders face fines of up to RM1 million or imprisonment of up to three years, or both, while companies can be fined up to RM5 million for repeat offences.
The public has been urged to report any suspected illegal activities involving controlled goods through official KPDN channels to support enforcement efforts.
