KUCHING: Sarawak Marine Police Region 5 seized smuggled controlled goods worth more than RM17 million and arrested 55 individuals during 48 operations carried out across the state in the first six months of this year.
Its Commander, ACP Abdul Rahman Mat Hasan, said the operations, conducted between January 1 and June 30 under ‘Ops Taring Landai’, ‘Ops Taring Pensura’, ‘Ops Taring Tango Papa’ (Aidilfitri Special Operation)’ and ‘Ops Bersepadu Inter Agensi’, reflected the force’s continued commitment to curbing the smuggling of controlled goods.
“Among the controlled goods seized were 313,920 litres of diesel, 2,200 litres of petrol, 1,704kg of sugar and 7,204kg of cooking oil.
“The biggest seizure was recorded during ‘Ops Taring Tango Papa’ when an inspection of a tugboat at a jetty in Sibu uncovered 75,000 litres of diesel, with the total value of the seizure, including the vessel, estimated at RM9.45 million,” he said in a statement.
Abdul Rahman said three local men and two foreign men, who were the skipper and crew members of the tugboat, were arrested during the operation.
In a separate case under ‘Ops Taring Pensura’ in Sibu, he said the marine police intercepted two tanker lorries carrying out an illegal diesel transfer at a riverbank.
“A total of 10,500 litres of diesel were seized, with the total value of the seizure estimated at RM207,750.
“A local man, who was the driver of one of the tanker lorries, was also arrested to assist investigations,” he added.
Abdul Rahman said joint operations with the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) under ‘Ops Bersepadu Inter Agensi’ also crippled several diesel smuggling activities in Kuching.
He said authorities seized 75,000 litres of diesel, skid tanks, intermediate bulk containers (IBC), fuel transfer equipment, and several vehicles believed to have been used in the activities, with the total value of the seizure estimated at RM906,370.
“Four local men, who were caretakers and workers at the premises, were also arrested.
“All arrests and seizures under the Supply Control Act 1961 have been handed over to KPDN for further action and investigation,” he said.
