Rice smuggling bid foiled in Gua Musang: 25 tonnes of Thai rice seized, driver held over dubious invoices

GUA MUSANG, Malaysia - The General Operations Force (GOF) has apprehended a lorry loaded with 25 metric tonnes of Super Import white rice, suspected to be smuggled in from Thailand, in an operation that took place in Paloh last night. The seizure, part of Operation Taring Wawasan, reportedly amounted to an estimated RM550,000. GOF Southeast Brigade commander, Datuk Ahmad Radzi Hussain, said patrol officers spotted a suspicious lorry near Kampung Pangkal Senor along the Kota Bharu-Gua Musang highway.

Upon stopping the vehicle for inspection, it was discovered that the lorry was carrying the smuggled rice. The driver, a 38-year-old man, was arrested and questioned about the invoices produced to explain the source and destination of the rice. However, discrepancies in the delivery location listed on the invoices raised suspicions that the documents might have been used to mislead authorities.

The authenticity of the documents remains under investigation. Further inquiries will be conducted to identify the source of supply, individuals involved in preparing and using the invoices, the transporter, recipient, and distribution network for the suspected smuggled rice. The case falls under Section 20 of the Control of Padi and Rice Act 1994.