An attempt to transport subsidised cooking oil to a neighbouring country was foiled after the Sabah Marine Police Force (PPM) raided a location near Sungai Siguntur, Sibugal Besar yesterday.
The operation, carried out at about 4.30pm, resulted in the arrest of three individuals and the seizure of a boat, a three-tonne Isuzu lorry and various brands of subsidised cooking oil.
Sabah PPM Region 4 commander Assistant Commissioner Ahmad Amri Abd Rahman said the total value of the seized items was estimated at more than RM160,469.
He said the case is being investigated under Section 21 of the Control of Supplies Act 1961.
“Sabah PPM Region 4 will not compromise with any party involved in smuggling activities as such actions not only affect the availability of subsidised goods for the public but also cause losses to the country.
“We will continue strengthening intelligence efforts and enforcement operations to curb leakage and smuggling of controlled subsidised items, especially attempts to take them out of the country,” he said in a statement.
Ahmad Amri said the success reflected the commitment of Sabah PPM Region 4 in tackling smuggling activities involving controlled goods that could affect public interests.
He added that from January until Aug 3, Sabah PPM Region 4 recorded 95 cases under the Control of Supplies Act 1961, involving 91 arrests.
“The total value of seizures recorded during the period exceeded RM25 million,” he said.
Meanwhile, Ahmad Amri said Sabah PPM Region 4 would continue strengthening cooperation with other enforcement agencies to ensure smuggling and leakage of controlled goods are tackled comprehensively.
He stressed that strategic cooperation between agencies is important to ensure subsidised supplies remain available for the people while protecting the country’s interests and revenue.
