KOTA KINABALU: A major integrated enforcement operation across eight districts in Sabah led to the arrest of 11 suspects and the seizure of controlled goods worth an estimated RM586,779.76.
The operation, codenamed Ops Tiris Briged Sabah, was carried out by the General Operations Force (GOF) together with the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry from 8am to 6pm on Wednesday (May 13.
Sabah GOF brigade commander Senior Asst Comm Datuk Nor Omar Sappi said the operation targeted smuggling and misappropriation of controlled items such as petrol, diesel, cooking oil and other essential goods.
A total of 101 personnel were involved – 76 officers and personnel from the GOF and 25 from the ministry.
"A total of 11 raids were conducted across Kota Kinabalu, Tawau, Keningau, Semporna, Sandakan, Beluran, Kunak and Ranau.
"Eleven suspects aged between 20 and 66 were arrested, comprising nine Malaysians (eight men and one woman) and two foreign nationals. None had criminal records," SAC Nor Omar said in a statement on Friday (May 15).
Among the goods seized were 3,245 litres of diesel worth RM6,978.75; 3,818 litres of petrol worth RM15,348.36; 1,062 packets of cooking oil worth RM2,655; 173 LPG cylinders worth RM43,250; 1,019 packets of flour worth RM3,566.50; 639 packets of sugar worth RM1,821.15; four vehicles and boats worth RM447,000; as well as 38 other pieces of equipment worth RM66,160 in total.
The suspects are being investigated under the Control of Supplies Act 1961, the Control of Supplies Regulations 1974, and the Immigration Act 1959/63.
SAC Nor Omar said all detainees and seized material have been handed over to the relevant agencies for further investigation.
He said that the GOF remains committed to combating smuggling and misappropriation of controlled goods in Sabah.
He urged the public to continue providing information on such activities to the police to support enforcement efforts.
