Subsidized diesel bound for Myanmar seized

Malaysia’s Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry’s enforcement division foiled an attempt to smuggle 275,000 liters of subsidized diesel fuel worth RM500,000 (US$145,000) to Myanmar. It was uncovered at the Perai Barter Trade Wharf after a week of surveillance conducted by 13 officers and personnel from Putrajaya and Penang. The seizure was the biggest in Penang this year, said the ministry’s Penang enforcement division head, M. Guna Selan. He said a Myanmar-registered barter trade vessel and a tanker belonging to a local oil firm was detained. A manager and clerk of the oil firm, and 10 crew of the Myanmar vessel, were arrested. The oil company was believed to have carried out the activity for several months, Guna Selan said. The subsidized diesel fuel was meant for local fishermen and pump stations, he said. (September 4, 2007)