KUCHING: The General Operations Force (GOF) last Sunday thwarted an attempt to smuggle out 44 liquid petroleum gas cylinders and 24 packets of coarse sugar (each weighing 1kg) around 11pm in Serian.
The items were being transported by two individuals using a Toyota type lorry and a Toyota Hilux pick-up. The controlled goods seized including the vehicles are valued at RM86,050.80.
All the seized controlled goods were handed over to the Sarawak Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry (KPDNHEP) by GOF on Monday.
In a statement issued, the ministry received 44 liquid petroleum gas cylinders and 24kg of coarse sugar from the GOF around 1pm.
Initial investigations by KPDNHEP found that the accused persons do not have licence or permission to own or conduct the transaction of such goods.
The case will be further investigated under Section 21 of the Supply Control Act 1961 and read with Regulation 3 (1) of the Supply Control Regulations 1974.
If convicted, the accused is liable to a fine of not exceeding RM3 million for each offence (if the person is a corporate body); or if the person is not a corporate body, a fine not exceeding RM1 million for each offence will be imposed, or imprisonment not exceeding three years, or both.
KPDNHEP in collaboration with departments and enforcement agencies will continuously monitor, conduct inspections and take firm action from time to time to address the illegal outflow of subsidised controlled goods.