Over RM100mil in pilfered subsidised goods seized so far this year

 

Bukit Aman said over 100 people were arrested in 32 raids related to subsidised goods so far this year and more than 270,000 litres of diesel worth RM6.3 million was seized. (PDRM pic)

PETALING JAYA: 

Bukit Aman’s internal security and public order department has seized RM101 million in misappropriated subsidised goods from Jan 1 to July 30 this year.

Its director Kamarudin Din said this was 187.6% more than the RM35.17 million worth of goods the department confiscated during the same period last year.

In a statement, Kamarudin said these operations saw 101 people being arrested in 32 raids, with police seizing 272,825 litres of diesel worth RM6.3 million and 31,944 litres of petrol worth RM74,284.

Police also seized assets and other equipment worth RM94.75 million,

 he said. This includes tankers and tug boats.

The diesel subsidy in Peninsular Malaysia was lifted on June 10, with its price rising from RM2.15 to RM3.35 per litre.

Putrajaya previously said three million litres of diesel was being smuggled out of the country daily, causing losses of RM4.5 million a day in misappropriated subsidies.

More recently, two integrated operations were held with government agencies in Penang which led to the arrest of five foreigners and one Malaysian woman.

The authorities seized RM56,595 worth of goods, involving 1kg cooking oil polybags, rice, wheat flour and sugar.

Kamarudin said police would continue working with the relevant enforcement agencies in intensifying operations to prevent the misappropriation of subsidised goods.

The public’s involvement and cooperation in channelling information on such activities to the police is greatly encouraged so that this crime can be fully eradicated,

 he said. - FMT