Janathan
TAWAU: Operation Subsidy Series I/2013, launched by five law enforcement agencies in the district, succeeded in seizing controlled goods worth about RM70,000, including five vehicles and opening 15 other cases.
Sabah Customs director Datuk Dr Janathan Kandok said the five agencies involved were the Customs Department as head of operations, the Malaysia Maritime Enforcement Agency, Ministry of Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism, the marine police force and Tawau Municipal Council.
He said the eight-day operation from January 7 to 14 saw the seizure of 936 liters of diesel/petrol worth RM1,778.40, 7,805kg of sugar (RM14,049), 140kg of cooking oil (RM224), 249kg of wheat flour (RM249) and 155.92kg of frozen meat (RM935.52).
Also seized were seven LPG gas cylinders (RM350), 310kg of rice (RM310), batik sarong (RM345) and the five vehicles.
The director said 13 people, including a local, were detained for further investigation under the Supply Control Act 1961 and the Customs Act 1967.
Janathan said the operations were conducted in Tawau, Tawau Port waters, Sebatik Island and Semporna.
They were aimed at curbing and preventing fraud or smuggling of controlled items into the country or to neighbouring countries such as the Philippines and Indonesia.
“It also aims to strengthen cooperation among law enforcement agencies involved,” he said yesterday.
He appealed to the public to come forward and provide information to law enforcement agencies in the fight against smuggling in Sabah as it is a major threat to the loss of revenue.
Any information on smuggling activities can be channeled to Tawau customs at 089-771522.