Kelantan Police Seize 40 Tonnes Of White Rice Without Valid Documents

KOTA BHARU, Nov 14 (Bernama) -- Police seized about 40 tonnes of white rice that was being transported without valid documents after stopping a trailer truck in an integrated operation on Jalan Kota Bharu-Gua Musang last night.

Kelantan police chief Datuk Mohd Yusoff Mamat said the operation at 8 pm involved the state Internal Security and Public Order Department together with the Kuala Krai district police headquarters.

He said the Nissan CD4 lorry was stopped near the Taman Perisai Wira intersection in Kuala Krai after the driver was found to be acting suspiciously.

"An inspection revealed a load of 40 tonnes of white rice without any valid documents. Police also detained the truck driver for further investigation," he said in a statement today.

According to him, the rice was believed to have been brought in via small quantities from the border area before the bulk was loaded into the trailer to be taken to Kuala Lumpur.

He said the total value of the seizure was estimated at RM350,050, and the vehicle with the rice cargo was confiscated for further action.

"The case is being investigated under Section 20 of the Control of Padi and Rice Act 1994 and will be referred to the Kelantan State Padi and Rice Regulatory Authority," he said.

He stressed that police would intensify operations to combat misuse, misappropriation or unauthorised transfer of rice, which could affect the stability of the national food supply, and welcomed public cooperation in providing information.

-- BERNAMA