A joint operation by the Marine Police Force (PPM) and the Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB) Lahad Datu resulted in the seizure of palm kernels worth more than RM600,000 at a premises along Jalan POIC here yesterday.
Several assets believed to have been used for the storage and handling of palm kernels without a valid licence were also confiscated during the enforcement operation.
PPM Region 4 Sabah commander Assistant Commissioner Ahmad Amri Abd Rahman said the raid was conducted based on intelligence gathered through a strategic collaboration between PPM and MPOB.
He said several workers at the premises were believed to have fled after noticing the presence of enforcement officers during the operation.
“Checks found that the seized palm kernels and related assets were suspected to have been stored and handled without the necessary licence.
“The case is being investigated under the Malaysian Palm Oil Board Act 1998 (Act 582),” he said in a statement.
Ahmad Amri added that PPM Region 4 Sabah recorded 11 cases under the Malaysian Palm Oil Board Act 1998 between January and July this year.
During the same period, total seizures exceeded RM8.7 million, with 25 individuals detained to assist investigations.
He said PPM Region 4 Sabah would continue strengthening cooperation with relevant enforcement agencies to tackle illegal activities involving the palm oil sector.
Ahmad Amri stressed that continuous enforcement efforts are important to safeguard the country’s palm oil industry and ensure all parties comply with existing regulations and laws.
