SANDAKAN: The Marine Police Force (PPM) Region 4 Sabah has foiled an attempt to smuggle subsidised cooking oil to a neighbouring country following a raid along the banks of Sungai Siguntur in Sibugal Besar, here, on Monday.
Three individuals were arrested during the operation, which was carried out at about 4.30pm, to assist in investigations.
Also seized were a boat, a three-tonne Isuzu lorry and a large quantity of subsidised cooking oil of various brands.
PPM Region 4 Sabah Commander ACP Ahmad Amri Abd Rahman said the total value of the seizure was estimated at more than RM160,469.
“The case is being investigated under Section 21 of the Control of Supplies Act 1961,” he said in a statement, Tuesday.
Meanwhile, Ahmad Amri said that between January and Aug 3, PPM Region 4 Sabah recorded 95 cases under the Control of Supplies Act 1961 involving 91 arrests, with total seizures exceeding RM25 million.
He said the achievement reflected the force’s continued commitment to combating the smuggling and leakage of controlled subsidised goods.
Ahmad Amri said PPM Region 4 Sabah would continue to intensify intelligence gathering and enforcement operations to curb leakages and smuggling activities, particularly attempts to transport controlled subsidised goods to neighbouring countries.
“PPM Region 4 Sabah remains committed to ensuring that all forms of leakage and smuggling are eradicated to safeguard the nation’s interests and revenue,” he said.
