MALAYSIA: Rubber theft on the rise again

It seems that the hijacking of rubber latex-filled tankers and the theft of SMR grade rubber are on the rise again.

This “hot” issue was highlighted during a recent Malaysian Rubber Board (MRB) dialogue session between Plantation Industries and Commodities Minister Tan Sri Bernard Dompok and local rubber industry representatives.

With both latex and SMR 20 rubber currently trading at record prices of about RM10 and RM15 per kg respectively, the black market for rubber has become equally lucrative as palm oil, the other major commodity frequently hijacked on the highways and trunk roads nationwide. The hijackings of latex concentrate and SMR rubber ready for export are most prevalent in periods of high prices, as was seen in 2006 and 2008. It appeared to be happening again now, said MRB director-general Datuk Dr Salmiah Ahmad.

More worryingly, there have been incidents of natural rubber being hijacked in transit to the ports or stolen from the premises of local buyers. So far, nine cases have been reported with MRB's enforcement unit. There have are some serious cases currently under investigation by the police with MRB giving its full cooperation.

MRB is also deeply concerned about the severity of the rampant hijackings. This has prompted the national rubber custodian to issue a circular warning all industry players not to accept rubber which they suspect may have been hijacked or stolen.

MRB enforcement officers are also stepping up their efforts in supervision, inspection and in conducting raids.

MRB has warned it will not hesitate to revoke any licence issued to those found guilty of such illegal activities.

While MRB is strengthening its enforcement actions, industry operators must also exercise extra caution when transporting or storing their rubber goods.

Similar to the hijacking palm oil from transportation tankers, there have been various hotspots or targeted places where these thieves siphon off natural rubber.

Towards this, industry operators need to caution their drivers and staff to be extra alert and as far as possible avoid movement of goods during the later part of the evening.

Those involved in transporting, buying and selling natural rubber must also be reminded to comply with regulations and use the relevant documents issued by the MRB so as to facilitate on-the-ground surveillance by MRB enforcement officers and the police.

Perhaps it is also important for both MRB as well as latex and SMR rubber producers to consider investing in newer GPS or GPRS-linked tracking devices so that they can effectively monitor and ensure the safe passage of the consignments to their destinations.

(Syed Rashid Ali, Karachi, Pakistan)