The General Operations Force (PGA) from the Ulu Kinta base successfully foiled an attempt to smuggle 40 tonnes of white rice worth approximately RM560,000 in an operation early Tuesday morning.
Northern Brigade Commander Senior Assistant Commissioner Shahrum Hashim said the success came after a month-long intelligence and surveillance effort under Op Taring Bravo 4 conducted by the brigade’s intelligence unit.
Around 4 a.m., officers stopped a trailer suspected of carrying smuggled white rice believed to have been brought in from a neighbouring country for distribution in the local market.
“During inspection, the lorry driver failed to produce valid documents for the cargo,” Shahrum said.
Two local men, aged in their 20s and 50s, were detained to assist investigations, while the trailer and its cargo of 40 tonnes of rice were seized.
The case is being investigated under Section 7(2) of the Paddy and Rice Control Act 1994 (Act 522), which carries a maximum fine of RM15,000, up to two years in jail, or both upon conviction.
Shahrum added that the PGA remains committed to cracking down on the smuggling of controlled goods — especially rice — which could disrupt the nation’s food supply.
“The Northern Brigade PGA will continue to intensify patrols and intelligence operations along the borders of Kedah, Perlis, and Penang to ensure smuggling activities are curbed effectively,” he said.
