SHAH ALAM: The Selangor branch of the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry (KPDN) busted a suspected operation involving the mixing of subsidised cooking oil with used cooking oil.
The activity was detected during a joint operation with the Central Region Marine Police around Port Klang.
The syndicate allegedly cut open subsidised one-kilogramme cooking oil packets, mixed the oil with used cooking oil and stored the mixture in special tanks.
The mixture was believed to be intended for resale to used cooking oil processing companies or through the black market for higher profits.
Selangor KPDN director Muhamad Hanif Asa'ari said the activity was uncovered during a raid at an unnumbered premises under Ops Tiris 4.0 (Integrated).
The operation was believed to involve supplies from parties suspected of holding valid scheduled controlled goods licences, he said.
The team found piles of boxes containing packet cooking oil and plastic packets that had been cut open.
About 15,900kg of cooking oil and equipment used in the activity, including a lorry, were seized. The total value of the seizure was estimated at RM133,950, he said in a statement.
A Myanmar man in his 30s who worked at the premises was also detained to assist investigations.
Muhamad Hanif said the case would be investigated under the Supply Control Act 1961 to identify those involved and trace the distribution chain for the subsidised cooking oil.
Individuals convicted of an offence under the Act face a fine of up to RM1 million, a jail term of up to three years, or both. For a second or subsequent offence, the penalty rises to a fine of up to RM3 million, a jail term of up to five years, or both.
Companies face a fine of up to RM2 million, rising to RM5 million for a second or subsequent offence, he said.
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