KOTA KINABALU: Marine police here have foiled an attempt to smuggle crude palm oil (CPO) in Tambunan, arresting five locals and seizing more than RM3mil worth of goods.
Commander Asst Comm Mohd Nazri Ibrahim said the operation was carried out at 10.30pm on Thursday (Oct 23) along the Tambunan–Kota Kinabalu road following marine intelligence unit suveillance.
He said three oil tankers, two pickup trucks and about 106,960kg of crude palm oil believed to have been stored for smuggling were seized.
“The five local men were detained on suspicion of being involved in the illegal activity,” he said in a statement on Saturday (Oct 25).
Nazri said the total value of the seized items was estimated at RM3,005,127.60.
The case is being investigated under the Malaysian Palm Oil Board (Licensing) Regulations 2005 for further action.
He said the marine police would continue efforts to combat smuggling and misappropriation of national resources, particularly in Sabah’s waters and other strategic areas.
“The public is encouraged to provide information and cooperation to help us curb such illegal activities and safeguard national security and wellbeing,” he added.
