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KUCHING, Feb 3 – A 55-year-old Indonesian man has been fined RM10,000 for smuggling 68kg of cooking oil without a licence near the Malaysia-Indonesia border. If he fails to pay the fine, he will face six months in prison.
The accused, Ruslan Abdul Malik, pleaded guilty to the charge under Section 21 of the Control of Supplies Act 1961 at the Sessions Court today. The law imposes a maximum penalty of RM1 million in fines, a three-year prison term, or both. Repeat offenders may face even stricter punishments, including fines of up to RM3 million and jail sentences of up to five years.
Caught at Sematan Border Checkpoint
The smuggling attempt took place on January 31, 2025, at around 7.40 am at the Sematan border control post in Lundu. Ruslan, who was riding a motorcycle, was stopped by officers from the General Operations Force (GOF).
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Upon inspection, authorities discovered 68kg of subsidised cooking oil, a controlled item under Malaysian law. As Ruslan did not have the necessary licence or permit to transport the oil, he was detained and handed over to the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) for further investigation.
Claimed Cooking Oil Was for Personal Use
During sentencing, Ruslan told the court that he was transporting the oil to Indonesia for a feast. He also revealed that he has heart disease and is married to a Malaysian wife.
However, the court did not accept his reasoning and ruled that the cooking oil and the motorcycle used in the offence would be forfeited to the government after the appeal period expires.
Deputy Public Prosecutor Iezzah Iburdanisha Ibrahim led the prosecution, while Ruslan was not represented by a lawyer.
Strict Action Against Smuggling
Authorities continue to take strict measures against illegal smuggling activities, especially those involving subsidised and controlled goods like cooking oil. The case serves as a warning to others attempting to violate Malaysia’s supply control laws.