Pasir mas: The Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) successfully dismantled a syndicate suspected of misappropriating over 300kg of subsidised cooking oil in Kampung Lubuk Tapah, Pasir Mas. The operation was conducted yesterday, leading to significant developments in the ongoing effort to curb illegal activities involving subsidised goods.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Kelantan KPDN deputy director Aswadi Jaafar stated that a raid was conducted at 3.45 pm on a house suspected of being used as a transit point for smuggling activities. This operation resulted in the arrest of three local men, aged 27, 28, and 44. Initial intelligence indicated the involvement of a white Toyota Hiace van with a local registration, believed to be used by the syndicate to transport the cooking oil supplies.

The suspects were apprehended while moving boxes of subsidised cooking oil outside the house, which was thought to serve as a transit point before the supplies were sold on the black market. A total of 12 boxes of subsidised cooking oil, weighing 204kg, were discovered outside the premises, with an additional 119kg found inside, making a total of 323kg seized during the operation.

The case is currently being investigated under the Control of Supplies Act 1961. All suspects have been taken to the KPDN office for further action as the investigation continues to unfold, aiming to put an end to such illicit activities in the region.