GOF Sarawak seizes RM2.2 mln in illegal fireworks, four arrested

KUCHING (Jan 30): The General Operations Force (GOF) Sarawak Brigade has seized unpermitted firecrackers and fireworks worth RM2.2 million during four separate raids under Op Taring Charlie in Kuching, Lubok Antu, Bintulu and Sibu from Jan 26 to 28.

GOF Sarawak Brigade commander SAC Lim Bak Phai said a raid at a premises in Kuching led to the arrest of a 35-year-old man, with seizures worth RM159,448.

In another raid in Lubok Antu, an 18-year-old male was arrested, and the raiding team seized 5,676 units of firecrackers and fireworks worth RM371,700, he added.

“In Bintulu, a local man aged 40 was arrested, and 8,778 units of fireworks and firecrackers as well as a vehicle were seized, all worth RM1,572,135.

“Meanwhile in Sibu, another local man aged 49 was arrested, with seizures worth RM107,262,” he said in a statement.

All seized items had been handed over to the related district police headquarters for further investigations under Section 8 of the Explosives Act 1957.

As such, Lim advised all firework and firecracker traders to comply with prevailing rules and laws, and to conduct sales only in accordance with valid permits and approvals.