KUDAT, Sept 1 — A total of 496 individuals were detained and RM80.11 million worth of controlled and subsidised goods were seized during the operation Op Tiris 3.0, from January 1 to August 28 this year.
Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali said 29,487 inspections were conducted nationwide during the same period, resulting in 2,005 recorded cases., stated that during the same period, 29,487 inspections were carried out nationwide, resulting in 2,005 cases recorded.
Op Tiris 3.0 was conducted to curb the smuggling and misappropriation of controlled and subsidised goods.
"This includes diesel, RON95 petrol, the one kg packet of cooking oil, liquefied petroleum gas, wheat flour, and refined white sugar in one kg packets.
"The ministry will continue to enhance enforcement measures, including strengthening cooperation with relevant agencies," he told the press at the Sentuhan Kasin and Consumer Advocacy programme today.
Armizan said on August 23, officials from the ministry, with the cooperation of the Royal Malaysia Police, crippled a syndicate involved in the misappropriation of subsidised cooking oil following a raid on three premises in Nilai, Negeri Sembilan.
180,200 kilogrammes of subsidised cooking oil of various brands, vehicles and some documents including sales and purchase invoices were seized in the raid, while a local man and two foreign men were detained to assist the investigation.
He said the case is being investigated under the Control of Supplies Act 1961.
Armizan reminded parties involved in the supply chain and distribution of subsidised cooking oil to be more responsible and ensure that the subsidised items are for the target groups.
"The wholesalers and retailers, as well as the repackers, must be responsible and ensure that leakages do not occur," he said.
— Bernama
