KOTA KINABALU: A man was found to be in illegal possession of over 100kg of refined sugar at a house in Likas.

       A team from the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry Sabah office made the discovery after a tip-off.

       Its director Georgie Abas said his men then inspected the incident under Ops Tiris at 10.27am on Wednesday (March 20).

       He said the team found a total of 108kg of the essential item kept at the back of a four-wheel drive vehicle that was parked inside the house's compound.

       “The 30-year-old foreigner did not have any valid documents or licence to allow him to keep the items there,” he said in a statement.

       “We subsequently arrested the man to assist in investigations and seized the sugar as well as the vehicle which are all estimated to be valued at RM 50,307.80,” he added.

       Abas said the case will be investigated under the Control of Supplies Act 1961 and Control of Supplies Regulations 1974.

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       He warned that individuals found guilty under the Control of Supplies Act 1961 face a fine up to RM1mil or three years in jail, or both.

       As for organisations, he added, any corporate body committing an offence under the same law faces a maximum fine of RM2mil on conviction.

       “The ministry's Sabah office is in the midst of intensifying our checks to curb leakages and misappropriation of subsidised and controlled items.

       “We urge the consumer community to be the eyes and ears of the authorities and to channel information about such activities,” he said.

       Abas said anyone with information can reach the ministry via WhatsApp at 019-279 4317 or 019-848 8000 or online through e-aduan.kpdnhep.gov.my.

       They can also call 1-800-886-800 or email e-aduan@kpdnhep.gov.my and the Enforcement Command Centre at 03-8882 6088/6245.