SANDAKAN: A residential house was turned into an illegal storage facility for controlled goods after the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) seized 1,139 kilogrammes of subsidised packaged cooking oil during a raid here.
The swoop was conducted on April 16, about 9.47 pm, by a team of enforcement personnel from the KPDN Sandakan branch.
According to KPDN Sandakan enforcement chief Joe Azmi Jamil, the inspection revealed that all 1kg packets of subsidised cooking oil were being kept inside a room. Preliminary investigations found that the individual responsible for the premises failed to produce any valid permit or license for storing controlled goods.
A 20-year-old woman, believed to be the person in charge at the time of the incident, had her statement recorded to assist with probe. The total value of the seized cooking oil was estimated at RM2,747, he added.
“KPDN views such misappropriation of subsidised goods seriously and will not hesitate to take firm action against any party found to be flouting the law,” Joe Azmi said.
“This is a clear case of attempting to hoard subsidised cooking oil meant for genuine consumers. We have reason to believe these supplies were being stored to be repackaged or redistributed illegally. KPDN will not compromise with anyone involved in such syndicates,” he continued.
He added that the case is being investigated under the Control of Supplies Act 1961.
Under the Control of Supplies Act 1961 (Act 122), individuals convicted of an offence may be fined up to RM1 million, or imprisoned for up to three years, or both. For a second or subsequent offence, the fine may increase to RM3 million, or imprisonment of up to five years, or both.
For companies found guilty, the penalty is a fine not exceeding RM2 million, while for subsequent offences, the fine may go up to RM5 million.
Joe Azmi also reaffirmed that KPDN Sandakan continues to actively monitor the distribution of 1kg subsidised packaged cooking oil in the district and conducts comprehensive audits to ensure that the subsidy reaches its intended target groups.
He reminded all parties involved in the supply and distribution chain to remain committed and responsible in ensuring that the subsidy truly benefits those who are eligible. – James Leong
KPDN Sandakan enforcement personnel check the illegal storage facility during the raid on April 16.
