Cops to play active role in combating rice, oil smuggling

JOHOR BARU: The police will be actively involved in efforts to curb the smuggling of basic needs such as rice and oil, says Comm Datuk Kamarul Zaman Mamat.

The Johor police chief said that although the responsibility lies with the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry, the police will also lend support.

"We will not compromise as the smuggling of basic needs such as rice and oil has caused anxiety among the public.

"Although this is not the main job scope of the police, we will intervene as it involves public harmony," he told a press conference here on Thursday (Sept 21) after handing over Pingat Jasa Pahlawan awards to 92 recipients.

Comm Kamarul Zaman cited as an example the detention on Monday (Sept 18) of a 35-year-old foreigner in possession of 85 packets of subsidised cooking oil without a permit.

"The suspect could not produce any valid documents or permits (for) the items.

“He had stashed the 1kg polybags of cooking oil in five cardboard cartons in the car boot.

"Each carton contained 17 packets of subsidised cooking oil,” Comm Kamarul Zaman said in an earlier statement.

The case was being investigated under Section 21 of the Control of Supplies Act 1961, which carries a maximum fine of RM1mil or imprisonment of up to three years, or both, upon conviction.