THE Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) has successfully thwarted an illegal operation involving the misappropriation of subsidised liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), following a raid at an illicit store in Jalan Kampung Jawa, Shah Alam, last Friday, March 14.
The operation resulted in the seizure of LPG cylinders valued at approximately RM14,565.
KPDN Director-General of Enforcement Datuk Azman Adam said the raid was carried out by the enforcement division in Putrajaya after three weeks of intelligence gathering.
“Upon initial inspection, we found that the premises had been operating for two months as an illegal store engaged in decanting activities, where subsidised LPG intended for household use was transferred into 50-kilogram cylinders meant for industrial purposes,” he explained in a statement issued today.
During the raid, a significant amount of items were seized, including three lorries, 608 LPG cylinders, and 5,864 kilograms of LPG.
Four individuals, aged between 25 and 45, including one foreign national, were arrested in connection with the operation. They are now assisting with investigations under Section 21 of the Control of Supplies Act 1961 (Act 122) and the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001 (AMLATFPUAA 2001) (Act 613).
The raid is part of ongoing efforts by KPDN to curb the illegal diversion of subsidised goods, which ultimately harms the interests of consumers and the economy.
Fake Luxury Seized
In separate raid, KPDN has successfully seized counterfeit luxury goods valued at RM36,642 in a raid on a business premise in Perda in Penang yesterday.
KPDN Penang Director S. Jegan said the raid, which took place at 11:30 am on Monday, was prompted by a complaint from the Public Complaints Bureau (BPA) and was conducted in collaboration with representatives from Global Trade Shields (GTS).
“During the raid, the premise was found to be operating and offering a variety of luxury items, including handbags, shoes, wallets, and women’s scarves, among other products. Five well-known luxury brands registered under GTS, namely Louis Vuitton (LV), Yves Saint Laurent (YSL), Gucci, Balenciaga, and Chanel, were being displayed for sale,” Jegan said in a statement.
Further inspection revealed that the goods were counterfeit, violating Section 102(1)(c) of the Trade Marks Act 2019 (Act 815), which prohibits the sale of goods bearing a registered trademark without authorisation.
A total of 171 counterfeit items, including shoes, handbags, scarves, and wallets, were seized. In addition, business documents were confiscated, and a local woman, the business owner, was recorded to assist with the investigation.
The seizure highlights KPDN’s continued efforts to combat the sale of counterfeit goods and protect the interests of consumers and legitimate businesses. - March 18, 2025
