KUCHING: The General Operations Force (GOF) recorded four major successes under ‘Op Taring Charlie’ between Jan 26 and 28, seizing illegal firecrackers and fireworks worth a total of RM2.2 million across the state.
Sarawak PGA Brigade commander SAC Lim Bak Phai said the first operation in Kuching led to the arrest of a 35-year-old local man, with seizures valued at RM159,448.
In Lubok Antu, he said an 18-year-old local man was detained along with 5,676 units of firecrackers and fireworks worth RM371,700.
Meanwhile in Bintulu, a 40-year-old local man was arrested with 8,778 units of firecrackers and fireworks, as well as a vehicle, bringing the total value of the seizure there to RM1,572,135.
Another arrest was made in Sibu, involving a 49-year-old local man and seizures valued at RM107,262.
“All suspects and seized items have been handed over to the respective district police headquarters for further investigation under Section 8 of the Explosives Act 1957,” he said in a statement.
Lim advised traders to strictly comply with existing regulations and to only sell firecrackers and fireworks with valid permits and approvals.
