Sarawak GOF Busts Diesel Syndicate, Seizes RM17.5 Million in Assets and 342,000 Litres of Fuel

KUALA LUMPUR, May 2026 — The General Operations Force, or GOF, Sarawak Brigade has crippled a diesel syndicate after seizing more than 342,000 litres of fuel during a series of enforcement operations carried out across several locations in Sarawak.

The operation, conducted under Op Tiris from March 16 until Tuesday, led to the seizure of diesel estimated to be worth about RM1.8 million. Authorities also seized various assets and equipment believed to have been used in illegal storage, transfer and distribution activities.

GOF Sarawak Brigade commander SAC Lim Bak Phai said the seized assets included tanker lorries, heavy machinery and skid tanks, with the total value of assets estimated at nearly RM17.5 million.

According to Lim, the brigade recorded 58 cases and arrested 69 individuals throughout the operation. One of the major successes was the seizure of a tug boat in Bintulu, which was allegedly used to store 20,000 litres of diesel without a valid permit.

The operation is part of continued enforcement efforts to curb the misappropriation of controlled and subsidised goods in the state. Diesel, cooking oil and sugar are among controlled items that are closely monitored by authorities due to their importance to consumers and businesses.

Apart from diesel, enforcement teams also seized more than five tonnes of subsidised cooking oil worth almost RM40,000. In addition, over seven tonnes of coarse sugar valued at more than RM31,000 were also confiscated during the operation.

The total seizure value for the subsidised cooking oil and coarse sugar was estimated at RM950,000. These seizures indicate that the syndicate’s activities may not have been limited to diesel alone, but could have involved a wider network dealing with controlled goods.

Lim said the operation also exposed several modus operandi used by syndicates, including the illegal storage, transfer and distribution of diesel without proper permits. These activities are believed to be linked to a network involved in the misappropriation of controlled items in Sarawak.

The illegal sale or diversion of subsidised diesel remains a serious issue because it can cause losses to the government and disrupt the intended purpose of subsidies. Subsidised fuel is meant to help eligible users and industries, but syndicates often attempt to profit by storing, reselling or moving the fuel through unauthorised channels.

Such activities may also affect legitimate businesses and consumers, especially when controlled goods are removed from the proper supply chain. Enforcement action under Op Tiris is therefore aimed at protecting public interest, preventing leakages and ensuring that subsidised goods reach the right target groups.

Following the raids, all arrested suspects and seized items were handed over to the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry for further action. The case is being investigated under Section 21 of the Control of Supplies Act 1961.

The latest bust marks another major enforcement success in Sarawak, especially as authorities continue to intensify operations against syndicates involved in diesel smuggling and abuse of subsidised goods.

Authorities are expected to continue monitoring fuel distribution activities, particularly in areas vulnerable to illegal storage, transportation and resale of controlled items.

The case also serves as a warning to individuals and groups involved in the misuse of subsidised goods that enforcement agencies will continue taking firm action against such activities.