JOHOR BARU: More than half a million ringgit’s worth of illegal fireworks have been seized by the police at an industrial area in Muar.
Johor police chief Comm Datuk M. Kumar said a 40-year-old man, who was manning the premises on Jalan Bakri, Muar, was also arrested during the raid at 4.30pm on Tuesday (Jan 21).
“He was arrested for possessing explosives without a valid licence.
“We found 319 cartons of fireworks and firecrackers valued at RM503,665 in his possession, which were seized for investigations,” he said in a statement on Thursday (Jan 23).
Meanwhile, in Mersing, a 24-year-old man was also arrested at around 10.30pm on Tuesday for possessing various fireworks and firecrackers worth around RM3,000.
Comm Kumar said a police team had noticed the suspect driving in Taman Desa Sri Endau and approached the car to find the items stashed in the backseat and boot of the vehicle.
“The suspect was brought to the Mersing marine police headquarters for documentation.
“During the process, the suspect tried to bribe the police officials several times with RM2,500 but was given a stern warning,” he added.
Both cases would be investigated under Section 8 of the Explosives Act 1957 for possessing explosives, which is punishable with a jail term of up to seven years or a fine of RM10,000, or both upon conviction.
Comm Kumar also said that the suspect’s attempt to bribe police officers has been referred to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission for following actions.
