KUCHING (May 28) — The Sarawak Brigade of the General Operations Force (GOF) has cracked down on a large-scale diesel smuggling syndicate, seizing over 342,000 litres of subsidised diesel worth approximately RM1.8 million.

GOF commander SAC Lim Bak Phai

The operation, code-named Op Tiris, ran from March 16 to Tuesday across 11 districts including Kuching, Samarahan, Sri Aman, Sibu, Kapit, Bintulu, Miri, Lawas, Bau, Serian and Lundu.

Sarawak GOF Brigade commander SAC Lim Bak Phai said 820 inspections were conducted, resulting in 58 cases and 69 arrests.

Breakdown of seizures:

• 342,000 litres of subsidised diesel — worth ~RM1.8 million
• Tanker lorries, heavy machinery and skid tanks valued at nearly RM17.5 million
• Over 5 tonnes of subsidised cooking oil (~RM40,000)
• More than 7 tonnes of coarse sugar (~RM31,000)

One major find: a tugboat in Bintulu used to illegally store 20,000 litres of diesel without a valid permit.

All cases have been handed over to the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) Sarawak under the Control of Supplies Act 1961.

Location: Multiple districts across Sarawak
Details: 820 inspections, 69 arrests, RM20.3M total seizures

Source: https://www.theborneopost.com/2026/05/28/sarawak-gof-busts-diesel-ring-seizes-rm17-5-mln-in-assets-342000-litres-of-fuel/

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