Thai Nationals Caught Smuggling Cooking Oil and Sugar via Illegal Jetty
RANTAU PANJANG – Activities by Thai nationals purchasing cooking oil and sugar around Rantau Panjang town before smuggling the controlled goods out through illegal jetties along the Sungai Golok were successfully thwarted by the General Operations Force (PGA) on Monday.
The Commander of the PGA Southeast Brigade, Senior Assistant Commissioner Ahmad Radzi Hussain, said the seizure, involving 51 kilograms (kg) of cooking oil and 36 kg of sugar, was carried out through Op Taring Wawasan in Kampung Parit Air here at around 5:00 pm.
According to him, during a patrol, members of the Strike Force from Company A, 8th Battalion PGA detected a Honda Wave motorcycle with a Thai registration plate in a suspicious condition.
“The motorcyclist was seen carrying several plastic packages before turning back as soon as he realised the presence of PGA personnel.
“The personnel then gave chase to a bushy area in Kampung Parit Air, where they found the motorcycle abandoned by the roadside,” he told reporters on Tuesday.
He said a search of the surrounding area failed to locate the suspect, who is believed to have fled to the vicinity.
According to him, an inspection of the abandoned motorcycle uncovered controlled goods believed to be intended for smuggling into Thailand.
Ahmad Radzi said the total value of the seizure, including the motorcycle, is estimated at RM2,217.50.
He said preliminary investigations found that the supply of cooking oil and sugar was believed to have been purchased from shops around Rantau Panjang town before being gathered for removal through illegal jetties.
“These controlled goods are believed to be in high demand in Thailand and are suspected to be smuggled using rat routes to avoid detection by authorities,” he said.
According to him, the case has been referred to the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) Pasir Mas for further action under Section 21 of the Supply Control Act 1961.
Sinar Harian