NILAI:The Negri Sembilan Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry raided a secondary school canteen here on Tuesday, suspecting it of illegally storing one-kilogramme packets of cooking oil to prepare student meals and for the operations of the canteen.
Its director Muhammad Zahir Mazlan said the operation, codenamed 'Ops Tenera', was carried out at about 10.50am, where a total of 391 kg of subsidised oil was seized.
The seizure was estimated to be worth about RM978.
"A 67-year-old local man admitted to being the caretaker responsible for the school canteen operations.
"We also suspect that the man was also dealing/hoarding other controlled items without a valid license or permit at the canteen.
"Under Section 21 of the Control of Supplies Act 1961 and under Regulation 3(1) of the Control of Supplies Regulations 1974, doing so is an offence," he told a Malay daily on Tuesday.
He said the ministry will collaborate with relevant enforcement agencies to intensify and enhance monitoring, operations and distribution of the controlled goods.
"We will not compromise in enforcing the laws under the ministry particularly in combating the leakage and misappropriation of controlled goods to prevent significant losses to the public and the nation.
"Anyone found guilty of committing these offences will be prosecuted under the Control of Supplies Act 1961," he added.
Muhammad Zahir also issued a stern warning to those dealing with controlled goods to comply with current regulations, to avoid action being taken against them.