Kuala lumpur: The General Operations Force (GOF) Southeast Brigade has seized 338,303 kilogrammes (kg) of Thai rice, worth about RM1.36 million, in 108 rice-smuggling cases detected along the Malaysia-Thailand border from Jan 1 to Sept 12 this year. Its commander, Datuk Nik Ros Azhan Nik Abd Hamid, shared that of the total, 329,922 kg involved white rice worth RM1.3 million, whereas 8,381 kg was glutinous rice worth RM59,600.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, in the operation, 44 individuals, comprising 41 men and three women, were detained for their involvement in attempting to smuggle rice from a neighbouring country. All cases are being investigated under the Customs Act 1967 and Control of Supplies Act 1961.

The commander emphasised that the GOF remains committed to intensifying operations at the border to combat rice smuggling, which could affect the local market and the well-being of the people. “We will not compromise with any party trying to take advantage by smuggling rice because it involves the issue of national food security,” he stated.

He further mentioned that the GOF will continue carrying out integrated intelligence and patrols with other agencies to ensure the country’s borders are always under control from smuggling activities.