Its commander, Nik Ros Azhan Nik Ab Hamid, said members of the GOF 18th Battalion made the seizure at 7.20pm as a result of a routine patrol in the nearby border area.

“An inspection of the lorry found 2,780 bonsai trees suspected to have been brought in from Thailand without valid documents.

“These trees are believed to carry pests and diseases that could threaten local crops,” he said in a statement today.

He also said the 29-year-old lorry driver, a local man, was detained for further investigation.

The total value of the seizure, including the vehicle, was estimated at RM1.31 million.

“The case is being investigated under Section 5 of the Plant Quarantine Act 1976. All seized items have been handed over to the Kelantan plant biosecurity division for further action,” he said.

Nik Ros Azhan said the GOF would continue to enhance its monitoring and operations at the country’s borders to curb smuggling activities that could jeopardise the country’s biosecurity, particularly in the agriculture and plantation sectors.

He urged the public to report any information related to smuggling activities to the authorities to help ensure the country’s safety and wellbeing.