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Malaysian border guards seize 1,400 orchids suspected of being smuggled from Thailand
🇲🇾 Malaysia /Crime & Justice

Malaysian border guards seize 1,400 orchids suspected of being smuggled from Thailand

From Utusan Malaysia · () Malay

Translated from Malay, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Outcome reported
  • Malaysian border guards seized 1,400 orchid plants suspected of being smuggled from Thailand.
  • The seizure, valued at approximately $400,000, included a Toyota Hilux and the plants, which may carry pests.
  • The orchids were reportedly destined for markets in Terengganu and Pahang, and the case was handed to the Kelantan Department of Agriculture.

Malaysian border guards intercepted a suspicious Toyota Hilux in Kampung Lalang Pepuyu, near Rantau Panjang, seizing 1,400 orchid plants believed to be smuggled from Thailand. The operation occurred around 4 p.m. on a recent day.

According to Southeast Brigade Commander Senior Assistant Ahmad Radzi Hussain, the vehicle was driven by a 20-year-old local man. A search of the vehicle revealed a large quantity of orchids, suspected to be carrying pests and illegally imported from the neighboring country.

The total seizure is valued at approximately RM400,000, comprising the Toyota Hilux worth RM120,000 and the orchids valued at RM280,000. Initial investigations suggest the orchids were sourced from the border area of Kampung Rahmat before being transported to markets in the East Coast states.

The orchids were reportedly destined for Terengganu and Pahang, regions with high demand for ornamental plants. The case has been transferred to the Kelantan Department of Agriculture for further action under Section 5 of the Plant Quarantine Act 1976.

DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Utusan Malaysia in Malay. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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