SANDAKAN: The Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) here, in collaboration with the Sandakan Marine Police (PPM), has ramped up efforts to curb the leakage of controlled goods in Sandakan’s waters through a joint enforcement operation targeting items such as subsidized cooking oil, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), diesel, and petrol.
The operation, conducted from 9.00 pm Thursday to 2.30 am Friday, involved nine enforcement officers from KPDN and PPM. Inspections covered key areas including Sungai Seguntor, the coastal zone of Tanah Merah–Kampung Bokara, and private jetties in Sandakan. Marine Police assets were deployed to inspect boats and vessels in these waters. Preliminary checks revealed no violations under the Control of Supplies Act 1961, though authorities remain vigilant.
Under the Control of Supplies Act 1961 (Act 122), individuals convicted of smuggling controlled goods face fines of up to RM1 million, imprisonment of up to three years, or both. Repeat offenders risk fines up to RM3 million or imprisonment of up to five years. Companies may be fined up to RM2 million for initial offenses and RM5 million for subsequent violations.
From January 1 to April 25, 2025, KPDN Sandakan investigated 15 cases involving seized goods valued at RM1,302,073.20. These cases were referred by enforcement agencies, including the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), Marine Police, and the General Operations Force (PGA). The operation has disrupted attempts to smuggle subsidized goods such as LPG, cooking oil, wheat flour, sugar, RON95 petrol, and diesel to neighbouring countries.
KPDN Sandakan reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening strategic partnerships with PDRM, PPM, and PGA, particularly in coastal and border areas, to prevent the diversion of subsidized goods.
“This collaboration is critical to safeguarding national resources and ensuring controlled items remain accessible to Malaysians at regulated prices,” KPDN Sandakan enforcement chief Azdy Zukkry John said in a statement. – James Leong
