KUCHING: Diesel and subsidised cooking oil smuggling remains the primary contributor to the leakage of controlled goods in Sarawak.
Deputy Minister of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Fuziah Salleh during the implementation of Ops Tiris, a total of 2,511 cases were detected nationwide, with 119 of these uncovered in 2,558 inspections conducted in Sarawak.
“This involved seizures worth RM21.5 million specifically in Sarawak.
“This is a significant amount compared to the national total of 2,511 cases, with overall seizures totalling RM86.93 million nationwide. Sarawak alone accounted for RM21.5 million, which is substantial,” she told a press conference following a working visit to Farley Supermarket as part of the Kita Gempur programme here today.
Fuziah added that Sarawak has 15 border entry points that pose significant challenges in combating smuggling of controlled goods.
“Recently, we detected 10 metric tons of subsidised cooking oil stored in an unlicensed premise near the border.
“Enforcement in such areas is challenging for our officers and collaborating agencies. We want to inform the public that suspicious activities can occur anywhere, not just in supermarkets,” she said.
She urged the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to curb misappropriation, leakages, smuggling, manipulation, fraud, and cartel activities involving controlled and subsidised goods.
“For example, if they notice abandoned houses with frequent comings and goings or places storing barrels of oil, gas cylinders, or diesel drums, they should report these activities. This is crucial in helping the government tackle leakages,” she said.
She added that information can be submitted to the nearest KPDN branch or through various channels, including WhatsApp at 019-848 8000, the e-Complaint Portal at e-aduan@kpdn.gov.my, the Call Centre at 1-800-886-800, or the Ez Adu KPDN mobile application.
Also present was KPDN Sarawak director Matthew Dominic Barin.
