KOTA BHARU: The Kelantan Domestic Trade Ministry busted a syndicate smuggling subsidised cooking oil to neighbouring countries through the seizure of 7,735 kg of cooking oil in a raid in Tendong, Pasir Mas, on Wednesday night (April 23).
Its director, Azman Ismail, said in the operation carried out at 9.35pm, a team of the ministry’s enforcement officials, together with the Region Three Marine Police Force raided a house that was used as a transit point for the goods.
He said the raids led to the arrest of three local men aged between 20 and 40 years old and the seizure of two vehicles, including a truck and a car.
"Further inspection found a total of 455 boxes containing 1kg subsidised cooking oil packets of various brands hidden in the trucks and cars," he said in a statement Thursday (April 24).
According to him, preliminary investigations found that the syndicate employed a modus operandi of obtaining cooking oil supplies from abroad without any valid documents, which were then misappropriated and smuggled to neighbouring countries.
He added that a man was also arrested while unloading cooking oil into a car during the raid, while another suspect, believed to be the driver of the vehicle, managed to escape and is now being hunted by the authorities.
"The case is being investigated under the Supply Control Act 1961 which provides for a fine of up to RM1mil or imprisonment of up to three years or both for individuals, while companies or corporations can be fined up to RM2mil.
"The ministry will not compromise with any party that violates the law and will continue to intensify the implementation of Ops Tiris as well as carry out strategic cooperation with enforcement agencies at the country's borders," he said.
He urged the public to come forward and channel information if they suspect any suspicious activities related to the misappropriation of controlled goods in their areas. – Bernama
