PGA Seizes 1,300 Smuggled Saplings From Thailand

KOTA BHARU, June 10 (Bernama) -- Battalion 8 of the General Operations Force (PGA) seized 1,300 saplings of various species believed to have been smuggled from Thailand during an operation along Jalan Besar Rantau Panjang-Pasir Mas yesterday.

PGA Southeast Brigade Commander SAC Ahmad Radzi Hussain said personnel on duty stopped a white Hicom lorry driven by a 44-year-old local man after finding the vehicle suspicious.

He said an inspection of the lorry uncovered 500 rambutan saplings, 200 tecoma saplings, 200 coconut saplings, 200 ylang-ylang saplings and 200 guava saplings being transported without valid documentation.

“The driver failed to produce any permits or documents related to the plants. The saplings are believed to have been smuggled into the country from Thailand and could potentially carry insect pests that may threaten the nation’s agricultural sector.

“The total value of the seizure is estimated at RM278,000, including the lorry used, which is valued at approximately RM150,000,” he said in a statement last night.

Ahmad Radzi said preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect had obtained the saplings from a nursery in Golok, Thailand, before bringing them into Malaysia via a river route and was believed to be transporting them to Johor.

He said the suspect had been detained for further investigation under Section 5 of the Plant Quarantine Act 1976, while all seized items had been handed over to the Kelantan Department of Agriculture for further action.

-- BERNAMA