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SEMPORNA: The Marine Police Force (MPF) arrested three men and seized 99 packs of rice believed to be smuggled out to a neighbouring country via the waters off Mantabuan, here, last Monday.

A patrol team spotted a suspicious pump boat with three people on board.

Semporna Marine Commanding Officer, Mohamad Ismail, said the boat was stopped for inspection and 99 packs of 10kg rice were found on the boat.

He said the boat’s skipper failed to produce a permit to carry the rice.

“The suspects, aged between 20 and 42, as well as the seized items, estimated to be worth RM17,354 including the boat, were taken to Semporna MPF jetty for further action,” he said.

The case will be referred to the Paddy and Rice Regulatory of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security and investigated under the Control of Padi and Rice Act 1994, he added.