KUCHING: The Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) here recently took possession of smuggled cooking oil valued at RM20,867.50, intercepted by the General Operations Force (GOF) 11th Battalion on Thursday (May 9).
The seizure, comprising 8.3 tonnes (8,347kg) of controlled goods, occurred during a smuggling attempt at Kampung Raso 2 in Lundu. In addition to the confiscation of the goods, two lorries were impounded.
Sarawak KPDN director Matthew Dominic Barin received the seized items from the GOF, stating that the total seizure value was estimated at RM75,867.50.
Furthermore, two men were arrested and handed over to the ministry’s enforcement team for further action.
“The case is being investigated under Section 20 (1) of the Control of Supplies Act 1961 for storing controlled goods in an unauthorised premises.
“If the offenders are a registered company, they could face fines up to RM2mil for the first offense or up to RM5mil for subsequent offenses, upon conviction.
“As for individual offenders, they could face fines up to RM1mil or imprisonment up to three years, or both for the first offense, and for subsequent offenses, they can be fined up to RM3mil, sentenced to prison for a term up to five years, or both,” he said.
Matthew disclosed that to date, a total of 30,547 inspections have been conducted resulting in 345 cases with total seizures valued at RM13,843,566.
Meanwhile, the total amount of fines is valued at RM61,900 with 90 cases under the Control of Supplies Act 1961.
He urged the public to assist the ministry by reporting smuggling of controlled and subsidised goods to help eradicate such illegal activities from its roots, as they cause significant losses to both the people and the country.
Information can be reported via WhatsApp at 019-8488000 or 019-2794317, e- aduan.kpdn.gov.my, call centre 1-800-886-80, or the Ez ADU KPDN mobile app.
