PALMOILMAGAZINE, KOTA KINABALU — A large-scale crackdown by Malaysia’s General Operations Force (PGA) Brigade in Sabah has successfully dismantled a palm oil smuggling network operating along both the eastern and western coasts of the state. Codenamed Operation Kontraban (Op Taring Palma), the effort has been ongoing since January 2025.
In an official statement on Tuesday, PGA Sabah Brigade Commander Senior Assistant Commissioner Datuk Abdul Rani Alias revealed that eight separate raids had been carried out. The operation involved several PGA battalions, including BN14 Tawau, BN15 Sandakan, BN16 Kota Kinabalu, BN17 Lahad Datu, BN20 Beluran, BN21 Keningau, and BN22 Kunak.
Authorities arrested a total of 26 individuals — comprising 21 local men, four Filipino nationals, and one Indonesian national — suspected of being involved in the illegal storage and transportation of crude palm oil (CPO) without proper documentation or permits.
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“The total value of the confiscated items is estimated at RM11.87 million, including RM1.89 million worth of CPO, vehicles such as trucks and trailers valued at RM9.32 million, and equipment worth RM650,890,” said Abdul Rani, as reported by Palmoilmagazine.com quoting The Borneo Post on Thursday (July 17, 2025).
He explained that the operation effectively disrupted a well-organized syndicate involved in distributing and smuggling palm oil illegally along Sabah’s coastline. The group reportedly bypassed legal trade channels, causing significant losses in state revenue and taxes.
“PGA will continue to carry out such operations to ensure public safety and the well-being of our communities,” Abdul Rani affirmed.
He also urged the public to take an active role in reporting suspicious activities in their surroundings. “Community cooperation is crucial to help us tackle illegal activities that harm the economy and threaten public order,” he said.
This raid forms part of broader efforts by Malaysian law enforcement to tighten control over high-value commodities and dismantle cross-border smuggling networks that often involve complex logistics and regional collaboration.
The arrested suspects are currently under investigation and are expected to face charges related to illegal trade and licensing violations in accordance with Malaysian law. (P2)
