General Operations Force Intercepts 1.2 Tonnes Of Smuggled Thai Rice In Tumpat

KOTA BHARU, Nov 10  – The General Operations Force (GOF) seized 1,216 kilograms of smuggled Thai rice following a vehicle pursuit and crash in Kampung Kubang Panjang, Tumpat, on Monday afternoon, November 9, 2026.

Operating under Op Taring Wawasan Kelantan, officers from Strike Force Company B, Battalion 7 of the Kuantan GOF, spotted a suspicious Nissan Vanette van at approximately 4:00 PM while conducting mobile patrols along the Kota Bharu-Pengkalan Kubor route.

Southeast Brigade Commander Datuk Ahmad Radzi Hussain reported that the van driver attempted to evade police upon detecting their presence, leading to a pursuit that ended when the suspect’s vehicle skidded and crashed in Kampung Kubang Panjang.

Police arrested the driver, a 35-year-old local man, at the scene.

A thorough search of the vehicle uncovered 49 sacks of illicit rice across five distinct brands, carrying a total estimated market value of RM4,864:

• Mangga Label: 750 kg
• Nangka Label: 250 kg
• Serindit Label: 120 kg
• Angsa Mas Label: 72 kg
• Pisang Label: 24 kg

Preliminary investigations indicate the contraband rice was smuggled across the border from Thailand via the illegal Pohon Tar base in Kuala Jambu before being earmarked for distribution in Pasir Puteh.

The suspect, the confiscated rice, and the impounded Nissan Vanette van (valued at RM18,000)—bringing total seizures to RM22,864—were handed over to the Kelantan State Padi and Rice Regulatory Department for further investigation under Section 20 of the Control of Padi and Rice Act 1994.

Seizure Breakdown, Suspect Demographics, and Smuggling Route

Key seizure metrics, vehicle details, and legal provisions include:

• Contraband Seized: 1,216 kg of rice across 49 sacks (Mangga, Nangka, Serindit, Angsa Mas, and Pisang brands).
• Financial Valuations: Rice value estimated at RM4,864; vehicle value estimated at RM18,000 (Total seizure value: RM22,864).
• Suspect Details: 35-year-old local Malaysian male driver.
• Smuggling Entry Point & Destination: Transported from Thailand via the illegal Pohon Tar base (Kuala Jambu) bound for Pasir Puteh.
• Executing Unit & Act: Battalion 7 GOF (Strike Force Company B, Kuantan) under Op Taring Wawasan Kelantan; investigated under Section 20 of the Control of Padi and Rice Act 1994.

–NMT