TAWAU: A total of 5,150kg of five per cent subsidised imported rice, believed to be smuggled to a neighbouring country, was seized by the Paddy and Rice Control Authority (KPB), here, on Tuesday.
KPB Tawau Chief Mohd Nur Edzudin A. Bakar said the seizure was made during a 4pm raid at Jeti Limbungan Batu 3, Jalan Apas, following information and intelligence gathering.
He said a canoe was used to unload the merchandise, including glutinous rice and other items used to cover and hide the rice.
“Further inspection revealed a total of 103 sacks of subsidised 50kg rice estimated to be worth a total of RM11,587.50,” he said.
He said the owner fled the scene after he realised the enforcement team.
The seized rice was brought to Gudang Bernas, Jalan Apas, for investigations under the Control of Paddy and Rice Act 1994.
Mohd Nur Edzudin said the commodity was suspected to be smuggled to Sebatik Island and then to a neighbouring country.
“Any movement of subsidised rice to Sebatik Island requires a declaration from the KPB,” he added.
He warned that any individual convicted of such offence can be punished with a fine of not more than RM15,000 or six months’ jail, or both.
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