Shahrum Hashim, the General Operations Force (GOF) northern brigade commander in Ulu Kinta, Perak, said the seized rice is estimated to be worth RM160,000, Berita Harian reported.

He added that it was to be taken to factories around Jitra, Kedah, for repackaging.

According to Shahrum, the rice is suspected to have been smuggled from a neighbouring country through Rantau Panjang in Kelantan.

“After interrogating the men, we found that the rice was being transported from Kelantan. Our intelligence team tracked them from the Titiwangsa rest stop (in Gerik) to the arrest location,” he said.

The case is being investigated under Section 7(2) of the Control of Padi and Rice Act 1994, which provides for a fine of up to RM15,000, imprisonment of up to two years, or both, if convicted.

Shahrum added that the GOF’s northern brigade actively monitors and patrols areas around Perak, Penang, and Kedah to curb illegal activities.