Authorities strengthen anti-smuggling ops in Sandakan waters
SANDAKAN (April 25): The Ministry of Domestic Trade and Costs of Living (KPDN) Sandakan Branch, in collaboration with the Sandakan Marine Operation Force (MOF), continues to intensify monitoring efforts to curb the leakage of controlled goods in Sandakan waters.
KPDN Sandakan Chief Enforcement Officer Azdy Zukkry John said that the joint operation, known as Ops Bersepadu, aims to combat the smuggling of controlled items such as cooking oil, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), diesel and petrol.
An operation was conducted on Thursday night in areas including Sungai Seguntor, Tanah Merah near Kampung Bokara, and several private jetties. The operation, which began at 9pm and ended at 2.30am today, involved thorough inspections of boats and ships. However, no offences under the Supply Control Act 1961 were detected.
Under the Supply Control Act 1961 (Act 122), individuals found guilty of smuggling controlled goods can face a fine of up to RM1 million, imprisonment of up to three years, or both. Repeat offenders may face fines of up to RM3 million or imprisonment of up to five years. Companies may be fined up to RM2 million for a first offence, and up to RM5 million for subsequent offences.
Azdy reported that between January 1 and April 25 this year, KPDN Sandakan investigated and charged 15 smuggling cases, with seized goods valued at RM1,302,073.20. Most seizures were made by enforcement agencies such as the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM), particularly the MOF, and the General Operations Force (GOF).
'The close cooperation with these agencies has greatly supported our efforts to combat smuggling attempts involving subsidized controlled goods like LPG, cooking oil, wheat flour, sugar, RON95 petrol, and diesel,' Azdy said.
He added that KPDN Sandakan will continue to enhance strategic partnerships with other enforcement bodies, especially in coastal and border areas, to stop smuggling activities.
KPDN Sandakan also welcomes public complaints and information related to trader misconduct. Reports can be submitted via WhatsApp at 019-848 8000, the Call Centre at 1-800-886-800, or online at http://eaduan.kpdn.gov.my.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Star
26 minutes ago
- The Star
AKPS foils bid to smuggle 200kg of undeclared agro produce
KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS) has successfully thwarted an attempt to smuggle agricultural produce without valid permits into the country on Thursday (July 24). The seizure took place at the Bukit Kayu Hitam entry point at approximately 9.40pm during an inspection of a container suspected of carrying undeclared goods. "We discovered 200kg of galangal (Alpinia galanga) with an estimated value of RM3,200. "The galangal was part of a larger agricultural shipment weighing over 44,000kg, but notably lacked a valid Marketing Certificate 3P issued by the Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority. The produce was seized for further investigation," the agency said in a statement on Friday (July 25). Importing any agricultural products without proper certification or permits is an offence under Section 11(1) of the Malaysian Quarantine and Inspection Services Act 2011 (Act 728). "We are committed to tightening security at all national border entry points to safeguard the country's biosecurity and combat smuggling activities that may threaten Malaysia's agricultural industry and food safety," it added.
New Straits Times
26 minutes ago
- New Straits Times
Op Curi Air: Illegal water connection uncovered at Mantin farm
NILAI: The National Water Services Commission (SPAN) enforcement division raided a vegetable farm in Mantin late Tuesday night for allegedly stealing treated water. In a statement today, SPAN said the farm had made an illegal pipe connection to draw water for use on the premises and in its workers' quarters. "SPAN, together with Syarikat Air Negeri Sembilan Sdn Bhd (Sains), carried out Op Curi Air at a farm suspected of illegally tapping into the water supply network. "Checks revealed an unauthorised connection made without the operator's permission. "The illegal tapping was done directly from a pipe connected to a Sains meter," the statement read. Chlorine tests confirmed that the water was treated and supplied by the operator for use in farm operations and the workers' quarters. The case is being investigated under Section 89(9) of the Water Services Industry Act 2006 (Act 655), which carries a maximum fine of RM50,000, imprisonment of up to six months, or both, upon conviction. SPAN warned that unauthorised tapping of treated water is a serious offence and would result in legal action. "Further action, including cutting off the connection and a full investigation, will follow. "The public is urged to notify their local water operator if they detect any suspicious activity involving illegal water connections or the theft of treated water. "Reports or information on water pollution can be submitted via (SPAN's sisMAS system)," it added.
The Sun
26 minutes ago
- The Sun
Negeri Sembilan KPDN seizes 1,000 litres of subsidised diesel in Seremban
SEREMBAN: The Negeri Sembilan Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) confiscated approximately 1,000 litres of subsidised diesel during operations Op Tiris and Op Jeriji in Taman Angsamas. The raid, conducted late yesterday evening, also led to the seizure of a Daihatsu lorry, a 1,000-litre IBC tank, a water storage tank, a pump, and pipe hoses, with a total estimated value of RM18,912.91. S. Veerapan, State Entrepreneurship, Human Resources, Climate Change, Cooperatives and Consumerism Committee chairman, stated that the inspection uncovered unauthorised diesel storage at a residential property, suspected for distribution. 'An individual, identified as the owner of the lorry and premises, was responsible for the operation,' he said in a statement today. Investigations revealed that the suspect did not possess a permit to store controlled goods, potentially violating Regulation 3(1) of the Control of Supplies Regulations 1974. Further inquiries are ongoing. Veerapan emphasised that trading controlled goods without a permit is a serious offence, threatening consumer safety and market stability. - Bernama
