MIRI: Police have arrested a 40-year-old local man over the theft of oil palm fruit bunches worth RM200 from a plantation in Niah, following a tip off from the public.
The suspect was picked up by a team from Batu Niah Police Station at Block 213, Task 21, SPAD Plantation, Plantation 3, Niah, just hours after the theft was reported.
Miri District Police Chief ACP Mohd Farhan Lee Abdullah said investigations revealed that 23 oil palm fruit bunches were stolen from the plantation on the same day.
All the stolen produce was recovered from a vehicle believed to have been used by the suspect.
The case is being investigated under Section 379 of the Penal Code for theft.
Police said the swift arrest underscored the importance of public cooperation in curbing plantation related crimes, which continue to pose losses to estate operators in the region.
Farhan urged plantation owners and workers to tighten security controls, particularly in remote and high risk areas.
He stressed that guard posts must be properly manned and patrols conducted consistently to deter criminal activity.
Members of the public are also advised to immediately report any suspicious movement or activity to the police to prevent similar incidents from escalating.
Police investigations are ongoing.
