RANAU: Traders have been warned against diverting subsidised essential goods outside the district or into unauthorised channels, although police have yet to detect any such cases in Ranau.
Ranau District Police Chief Supt Mursalin Mahmud said seven premises were inspected during the latest “Op Tiris” operation on Monday (Sept 28).
All seven had permission from the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry (KPDN) to sell and distribute subsidised goods.
However, he said operators were reminded to sell the goods only to those with identification cards and within purchase limits permitted by KPDN.
“So far, no diversion of subsidised essential goods has been detected in Ranau,” Mursalin told Daily Express.
He said the operation focuses on controlled and subsidised items, including diesel, petrol, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), cooking oil, sugar and flour.
Its main objectives are to prevent supply leakage, curb the diversion or smuggling of subsidised goods outside the district or across borders and protect the rights of local consumers.
Mursalin reminded traders and distributors to comply with their approved quotas and licence conditions.
They must not sell beyond the permitted limits or to unauthorised parties, nor divert subsidised goods for cross-district sales or smuggling, he said.
He said traders should also maintain complete transaction records, including invoices and relevant documents for audit purposes.
They were also urged to cooperate with enforcement agencies and immediately report suspicious activities.
The Ranau District Police Headquarters’ Internal Security and Public Order Division (BKDNKA) will continue intensifying “Op Tiris” through patrols and inspections to curb activities involving subsidised and controlled goods.
Mursalin said information from the public could help police detect possible diversion or smuggling activities.
Among information useful to police are the locations of suspicious premises or storage facilities, unlicensed fuel or gas sales, movement of lorries carrying controlled goods in large quantities and goods being sold at unusually high or low prices.
He urged the community to continue acting as the “eyes and ears” of the police by providing early information.
“Report immediately any suspected diversion to the police or KPDN.
“Subsidised goods are the people’s right. Do not allow them to leak into the black market,” he said.
Mursalin said close cooperation between the community and enforcement authorities would help ensure subsidised supplies reach eligible consumers and allow preventive action to be taken quickly.
Those with information can contact the Ranau District Police Operations Room at 088-875222.
The identity of informants will be kept confidential.