Sarawak Marine Police Region 5 has seized frozen meat and diesel suspected to be stored without valid permits in two separate operations carried out in Bintulu and Julau, with the total value of the confiscated items estimated at nearly RM2.95 million.
Region 5 commander ACP Ab Rahman Mat Hasan said the first operation, conducted under Ops Taring Gelora at about 12.30pm, took place at a warehouse located along the Kemena River in Bintulu.
He said inspections at the premises uncovered eight containers, four of which contained about 43,849.60 kilogrammes of frozen meat.
A local man, identified as the caretaker of the premises, failed to produce valid documentation for the imported goods and is believed to have committed an offence under the Veterinary Public Health Ordinance 1999.
Also seized in the raid were a pickup truck and a forklift, which are believed to have been used in handling and unloading the frozen goods.
The case has been handed over to the Bintulu Division Veterinary Department for further investigation, with the total seizure value from this operation estimated at RM2,932,480.
In a separate operation conducted at about 12.40pm in a logging camp in Julau, enforcement officers discovered one storage tank, four blue rubber drums and one steel drum containing approximately 2,300 litres of diesel.
The suspect involved reportedly failed to produce valid documents authorising the possession or storage of controlled goods without approval from the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN).
The case has been referred to the KPDN Sarikei Division for further action, with the diesel seizure valued at around RM15,500.
Ab Rahman said the combined value of seizures from both operations amounted to RM2,947,980.
He also reminded that offences involving the import of livestock products without a valid permit under the Veterinary Public Health Ordinance 1999 carry a maximum penalty of RM50,000 fine, up to two years’ imprisonment, or both upon conviction.
He added that under the Control of Supplies Act 1961, illegal possession or storage of controlled goods without a permit can result in fines of up to RM1 million or imprisonment of up to three years, while repeat offenders may face fines of up to RM3 million or imprisonment of up to five years.
