SIBU: Three hundred and fifty seven boxes of firecrackers and fireworks worth RM150,500 were seized by the General Operations Force (GOF) 10th Battalion under Ops Kontraban on Wednesday (Apr 6).
GOF 10th Battalion commanding officer Supt Mohammad Hafiz Kadir told a press conference today that a premises at Lorong Ding Lik Kong was raided on suspicion of being a storage place for fireworks and firecrackers.
“The confiscated fireworks and firecrackers are believed to be for Sibu area and nearby districts in conjunction with the upcoming Hari Raya and Hari Gawai celebrations,” he said.
A local man who was at the location was detained for further investigation by police.
“Seizures and arrests are being investigated under Section 8 of the Explosives Act 1957 which provides for a maximum jail term of seven years or a fine of RM10,000 or both upon conviction.
“All seizures and arrests will be handed over to the Criminal Investigation Department of the Sibu District police headquarters for investigation,” he said.
Meanwhile, Hafiz revealed that from January until April this year his team carried out successful operations where RM3.3 million worth of contraband goods were confiscated.
“A total of 13 suspects were detained and various types of illegal goods seized, such as cigarettes and liquor, logs and subsidised diesel,” he said.
Hafiz urged the public to continue to provide information on contraband goods through the 10th Batallion PGA Sibu office hotline 084-211411.
