Aksem makes record seizures of glutinous rice in Kodiang this year

BUKIT KAYU HITAM: The Malaysian Border Security Agency (Aksem) has succeeded in foiling two major attempts to smuggle about 30,000kg of glutinous rice worth RM120,000 in two operations at Kodiang yesterday evening.
Two local lorry drivers, aged 38 and 39 have been detained for allegedly bringing the contraband from Thailand.
Bukit Kayu Hitam Aksem commander, ASP Mohd Khairi Abdullah said in the first incident about 4pm, a team of Aksem enforcement officers nabbed a lorry driver transporting 300 gunny sacks of glutinous rice weighing 15,000kg.
"Initial investigations revealed the attempt to smuggle a large consignment of glutinous rice worth about RM60,000 was aimed at meeting the high demand for the coming Aidilfitri celebrations," he told a media conference at the Aksem Complex in Bukit Kayu Hitam here today.
About 20 minutes later, a five-tonne bonded lorry was also seized and its driver picked up for attempting to smuggle 300 gunny sacks of glutinous rice worth RM60,000.
"We believe the smuggling activities were conducted by the same syndicate and the drivers, paid RM200 each to bring the consignments into the country," said Mohd Khairi.
He said the case would be investigated under Section 20 of the Control of Padi and Rice Act 1994 (Act 522) which provides for a maximum fine of RM25,000 for each case and forfeiture of the goods.
On June 5, Aksem enforcement officers seized 296 gunny sacks of glutinous rice near a fast food restaurant in Changlun.
Noting there would be more attempts to smuggle glutinous rice due to the high demand for the Hari Raya festive season, Mohd Khairi said Aksem would continue to step up its surveillance. — Bernama