PGA Foils Attempt to Smuggle Malaysian Coconuts to Thailand
By Subaashinee Kupusamy,
15 October: The General Operations Force (PGA) successfully thwarted an attempt to smuggle coconuts to Thailand, seizing 41,000 kilograms of coconuts in Kampung Bunohan yesterday morning.
The haul, valued at RM205,000, was intercepted by members of the 9th Battalion during Ops Taring Wawasan at 9:50 AM. Southeast Brigade Commander, Datuk Nik Ros Azhan Nik Ab Hamid, revealed that the seizure followed the arrest of a suspicious trailer driven by a local man.
Upon inspection, over 41,000 kilograms of coconuts were found at the back of the vehicle, all without valid documentation.
“The suspect, a 37-year-old local man, is believed to be the transporter for smuggling these coconuts to a neighboring country. He was detained for further investigation,” said Nik Ros Azhan. The case is being investigated under Regulation 4(2)(b) of the Fama Act 141 Coconut Marketing Scheme 1973. Both the suspect and the seized goods have been handed over to Komtak Pengkalan Kubor for further action.
In a related development, Nik Ros Azhan stated that seven individuals were also arrested, including four smugglers, two illegal immigrants from Myanmar, and a local boatman. These arrests took place in three separate locations—Tanah Merah, Tumpat, and Pasir Mas—yesterday.
Among the seized items were 86 handbags and 500 kilograms of rice smuggled from Thailand. The case is being investigated under the Paddy and Rice Control Act 1994, Section 6(1)(c) of the Immigration Act 1959/63, and the Trade Marks Act 2019 as stated in Berita Harian.
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