GOF Seizes Thai Rice Worth RM1.36 Mln At Malaysia-Thailand Border

KOTA BHARU, Sept 14 (Bernama) -- The General Operations Force (GOF) Southeast Brigade has seized 338,303 kilogrammes (kg) of Thai rice, worth about RM1.36 million, in 108 rice-smuggling cases detected along the Malaysia-Thailand border from Jan 1 to Sept 12 this year.

Its commander, Datuk Nik Ros Azhan Nik Abd Hamid said of the total, 329,922 kg involved white rice worth RM1.3 million, whereas 8,381 kg was glutinous rice worth RM59,600.

“In the operation, 44 individuals, comprising 41 men and three women, were detained for their involvement in attempting to smuggle rice from a neighbouring country.

“All cases are being investigated under the Customs Act 1967 and Control of Supplies Act 1961," he told Bernama today.

He emphasised that the GOF remains committed to intensifying operations at the border to combat rice smuggling, which could affect the local market and the well-being of the people.

"We will not compromise with any party trying to take advantage by smuggling rice because it involves the issue of national food security," he also said.

According to him, the GOF will continue carrying out integrated intelligence and patrols with other agencies to ensure the country's borders are always under control from smuggling activities.

-- BERNAMA