KUCHING, May 1 (Bernama) -- The subsidised diesel shortage faced by the fishermen in Kuala Kedah is because suppliers are not getting enough supply, said Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Deputy Minister Datuk Mah Siew Keong.

"We already convened several meetings with suppliers to overcome this problem and hope it will be over soon," he told Bernama here, Sunday.

Mah said the diesel demand in each fishing areas are being updated to ensure enough supply.

He said this in response to news reports that more than 500 boats in Kuala Muda, Kedah, were left stranded since the last few days after the diesel supply ran out.

The Ministry through the Malaysian Fisheries Development Board (LKIM) has implemented the e-diesel system whereby fishermen registered with LKIM can purchase the fuel at RM1 a litre through the e-diesel card.

Meanwhile, in KUALA LUMPUR the Deputy Minister of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Datuk S. Veerasingam said the ministry and the Anti Corruption Agency (ACA) would investigate to ensure no irregularities in the diesel shortage in Kuala Kedah.

Veerasingam said the shortage was over today when additional quota were provided for the fishermen but warned those who conspire to cheat would be banned for good from the industry.

Stern action would be taken against those found to have manipulated the diesel subsidy including the cancellation of the licence and fine between RM15,000 to RM25,000, he told reporters, here Monday.