Pasir Mas:Kelantan The Kelantan Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) is intensifying investigations into potential involvement of other parties in the misappropriation of subsidised cooking oil. This follows the seizure of 4,127 kilogrammes of the controlled item in Kampung Chetok, Pasir Mas.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the investigation led by Kelantan KPDN director Hanif Yusabra Yusuf is focused on identifying illicit activities related to the misappropriation of subsidised controlled goods. The operation, part of 'Ops Tiris 4.0 (Integrated),' took place at 8 pm and resulted in the seizure of subsidised cooking oil valued at RM11,053.50, along with five vehicles, raising the total value of the seizure to RM138,053.50.

The operation, executed by the Kelantan KPDN's Intelligence and Special Action Unit in collaboration with the Patrol Unit of the Pasir Mas district police headquarters, resulted in two separate cases. The first case involved the confiscation of 1,577 kilogrammes of subsidised cooking oil of various brands, accompanied by a Toyota Unser, a Mitsubishi Pajero, and a Nissan Navara, with a total value of RM70,678.50.

The second case saw the seizure of 2,550 kilogrammes of subsidised cooking oil, along with a Toyota Hiace and a Mitsubishi Pajero, valued at RM67,375. The confiscated cooking oil comprised one-kilogramme packets of various brands and five-kilogramme bottled cooking oil produced by local companies in Kelantan and other states.

Previously, it was believed that the parties involved gathered supplies of subsidised cooking oil from wholesalers and stored them at specific locations. Action has been taken against individuals linked to both cases.

The cases are being investigated under Sections 21 and 20(1) of the Control of Supplies Act 1961, as well as Regulation 3(1) of the Control of Supplies Regulations 1974, which address possession of controlled goods with intent to commit an offence, unauthorised transfer of controlled goods to unlicensed premises, and wholesale of controlled goods without a valid license.

Hanif added that the Kelantan branch of KPDN will continue to intensify enforcement operations, especially in border areas, to curb misappropriation and smuggling of subsidised controlled goods, ensuring these supplies are not misused.