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KUCHING, Aug 31: Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) Sarawak enforcement officers confiscated a Hiace van, with a 1,000-litre plastic tank, 12V electric pumps, together with a transparent hose, and 900 litres of diesel worth RM1,935 with a total seizure value of RM12,535.
In a statement today, its director Mathew Dominic Barin said the smuggling activity was halted after KPDN had carried out a surveillance check on petrol stations under Ops Tiris.
Mathew said during the surveillance check, four KPDN officers also arrested a local suspect at the location, and the case is now being investigated under Section 20(1) of the Supply Control Act 1961 for keeping controlled goods without a licence from the controller.
In the same statement, Mathew also revealed that from January 1 until August 31, 2023, KPN Sarawak dealt with a total of 167 cases under the Supply Control Act 1961 with a confiscation value of RM10,069,143.27 and a compound value of RM 574,500.00.
“KPDN Sarawak has conducted 1,505 inspections on gas stations and wholesalers of diesel throughout Sarawak since March 1, 2023, under Ops Tiris.”
He said inspections are carried out to ensure the traders involved comply with the Supply Act 1961 and the regulations under it.
“The community is asked to be eyes and ears to help the ministry by providing information on any smuggling activity of controlled and subsidised goods to ensure these activities can be eradicated to the root of the matter as it has caused great losses for the people and the country,” he said.
Those with any information regarding smuggling activity may get in touch with the ministry via WhatsApp at 019-279 4317/ 019-848 8000, or the KPDN e-Aduan portal at http://e.aduan.kpdn.gov.my, or call 1-800-886-800 and email e-aduan@kpdn.gov.my. — DayakDaily
