MIRI: Police have detained two local men for allegedly stealing ripe oil palm fresh fruit bunches (FFB) in Bekenu on Thursday.
The duo, aged 30 and 32 years had reportedly harvested over 700 oil palm trees at an orchard in Kampung Subak, Bekenu.
Acting on a report lodged by the plantation owner, police managed to track down the duo and detained them to assist in investigations into the case.
Miri Police chief ACP Hakemal Hawari said both suspects were picked up from a house in Kampung Subak, Bekenu.
Preliminary investigation revealed that the duo together with some of their friends were initially hired by the plantation owner to harvest the ripe oil palm fruits but ended up stealing the FFBs while the owner was not around.
The case is being investigated under Section 379 of the Penal Code for theft.
Oil palm FFB prices have increased in the last few months, boosting the temptation for thieves to steal the fruit.
Currently, the FFB are selling at between RM700 to RM900 per metric tonne.
