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KOTA KINABALU – The Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry seized close to RM2 million worth of subsidised 1kg cooking oil and diesel in a raid in Sg Kolapis in Beluran, some 230km from here, yesterday.
The ministry’s Sabah office director Georgie Abas said the raid held with General Operation Forces personnel was carried out at 3.30pm yesterday.
He said the team found 9,600 kg of 1kg subsidised cooking oil on board a vessel while 5,000 litres of diesel was stored inside a skid tank in a nearby area.
The goods were believed to be meant for smuggling to a neighbouring country, he said.
“A local man who we believed was looking after the barge-like vessel was detained and statements had been taken from the man to facilitate the probe,” he said.
Abas said the successful seizure was done after three weeks of intelligence gathering.
Additionally, he said the individual overseeing the vessel had failed to show any permit to keep the controlled items at the location.
The case is being investigated under Section 21 and Section 20 (1) of the Supply Control Act 1961 and offenders face up to RM1 million in fines.
Abas said the registered company also faced punishment of not more than RM2 million in fines and having its licences revoked.
“Stern action has been taken by suspending the gas station operating licence of the company which is involved in this case,” he said. – The Vibes, July 13, 2022