KOTA KINABALU: The Ministry of Housing and Local Government (KPKT) seized 36 pawned items with a total value of RM45,840 in an enforcement operation here to combat illegal pawning activities, last Monday.

The Ministry of Interior through a statement today announced that the operation involved four premises suspected of carrying out the activity without a license, with nine individuals recording statements to assist in the investigation.

“This operation is the result of continuous monitoring and complaints from the public. Strict action was taken in accordance with the provisions of Section 7(2) of the Pawnbrokers Act 1972 (Act 81),” the statement said.

KPKT informs that individuals or companies who wish to run a pawnshop business are required to have a valid license issued by the ministry.

“KPKT does not compromise on parties who violate the law and will continue to intensify enforcement operations from time to time to ensure that pawnshops in Malaysia operate legally and comply with established regulations,” the statement said.

In addition, KPKT encourages the public to take advantage of the i-Gadaian application developed by the ministry to identify licensed pawnshop premises which can be downloaded for free on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store to avoid the risk of property loss.

— BERNAMA