LAHAD DATU: Marine police seized palm kernel and machinery worth more than RM700,000 in a raid on a premises along Jalan POIC, here, Monday.
Two men, aged 35 and 54, were arrested, while several other suspects fled the scene.
Sabah Marine Police Commander ACP Ahmad Amri Abd Rahman said surveillance and intelligence gathered prior to the raid indicated that the premises were being used to store and transfer palm kernels without a valid permit.
“During the raid, several individuals managed to escape into the surrounding area, but two men were detained to assist with investigations,” he said, Tuesday.
Inspections at the site led to the seizure of approximately 52 metric tonnes of palm kernel, a trailer, two heavy machines and various other equipment.
The total value of the confiscated items is estimated at RM709,000.
The case is being investigated under the Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB) Act 1998 (Act 582). All seized items will be handed over to the MPOB Lahad Datu division for further action.
Ahmad Amri said the Sabah Marine Police have recorded 14 cases under the same Act so far this year, resulting in 27 arrests and total seizures exceeding RM9.3 million.
“We will continue to step up enforcement operations to curb these illegal activities and safeguard the national economy,” he said.
