80,000 Kg Of Imported Rice Seized In Gerik Smuggling Attempt

TELUK INTAN, July 23 (Bernama) -- Authorities have seized 80,000 kilograms of imported white rice worth RM308,000 during a smuggling attempt intercepted in Gerik on Monday, marking one of the year’s largest hauls by the Perak Padi and Rice Regulatory.

State director Nurul Zhahirah Nahrawi said two trailer trucks were stopped around 4 pm during an enforcement operation under ‘Op Pintas’. Five local men, aged between 20 and 30, were detained for questioning.

“Intelligence indicated the rice was being transported from the East Coast to northern Peninsular Malaysia. The drivers failed to provide valid documentation, including transport permits or purchase invoices,” she told reporters here today.

The trailers were carrying about 1,600 sacks of 50kg imported rice, believed to be intended for distribution to wholesalers in Kedah, Perak, Penang and Perlis, she added.

All five individuals were released after giving statements. The case is being investigated under the Control of Padi and Rice Act 1994 (Act 522).

-- BERNAMA