JOHOR BARU: The Marine Police Region II seized more than RM627,000 worth of crude palm oil (CPO) and RM442,300 worth of fireworks in three separate operations in Johor.
Its commander Asst Comm Noor Azman Jamal said the first raid, codenamed “Op Taring Landai”, was carried out at about 2pm on Monday (Feb 23) in Pasir Gudang following intelligence on CPO misappropriation.
A team from the Marine Intelligence Unit raided two lorries and detained a 37-year-old man who was caught transferring oil from metal drums in one vehicle to another.
“Checks on the two lorries found 24 metal drums filled with an estimated 4.8 tonnes of CPO and 23 empty drums.
“The suspect failed to produce any valid documents from the Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB),” he said here on Tuesday (Feb 24) night.
ACP Noor Azman added that the man was detained, and all seized items were handed over to MPOB for further action.
The total value of the seizure, including the vehicles and oil, was estimated at RM185,100.
The case is being investigated under Regulation 5 of the Malaysian Palm Oil (Licensing) Regulations 2005 for selling, moving or transferring crude palm oil without a valid licence or permission from MPOB.
In a separate case at about 10pm the same day, marine police acted on public information regarding the sale and storage of fireworks at a business premises in Skudai.
A 32-year-old local man was detained during the raid.
“Inspection of the premises uncovered 86 boxes containing firecrackers and fireworks. The suspect failed to produce any valid permit or licence to store explosive materials,” ACP Noor Azman said.
All items were seized and taken to the Johor Baru North district police headquarters for further action, with the seizure valued at RM211,000.
In the third case, at about 12.30am on Tuesday (Feb 24), marine police raided a residence in the Danga Bay area after receiving information on similar activities.
A 39-year-old local man was arrested, and 77 boxes of firecrackers and fireworks were seized.
ACP Noor Azman said the items, worth RM231,300, were taken to the Johor Baru South district police headquarters for further investigation.
“Combined, the fireworks seized in the two cases were valued at RM442,300,” he said.
Both fireworks cases are being investigated under Section 8 of the Explosives Act 1957 for possession or control of explosives under suspicious circumstances without lawful purpose.
ACP Noor Azman said the marine police would continue to combat the misappropriation of palm oil and the sale of explosive materials without permits to safeguard national security and public safety.
He also urged the public to continue channelling information to the police on any illegal activities to ensure public order and security are preserved.
