MICROCHIP THEFT FROM PENANG AIR CARGO COMPLEX SOLVED

PENANG (Malaysia), Dec 12 (Bernama) -- The theft of microchips from a
multinational company's godown at the Air Cargo Complex at Batu Maung two years
ago has been solved with the arrest of eight men under the Emergency Ordinance.

Penang Deputy Chief Police Officer, Salleh Mat Rasid, said police had
arrested the local men who admitted to the theft but they (the police) did not
have enough evidence to charge them in court.

As such, the police used the Emergency Ordinance to detain them for
two years in Simpang Rengam as a preventive measure, Salleh said at a news
conference attended by Penang Chief Minister, Lim Guan Eng, here Friday.

The news conference was held after Lim had discussions with various
quarters
including industries and police to find ways to face the uncertain economic
situation next year.

Salleh however said the microchips valued at RM48 million
(US$1=RM3.54)owned by Intel were not recovered as they were believed to have
been taken out of the country.

"The case has been solved but it was not announced to the public. However,
investigation into the case is not closed. We will increase cooperation with the
industrial sector to ensure that such incidents to not recur," he said.

According to Salleh, 30 people were detained to help in investigations in
the case but only eight were further detained as the rest were found to be not
involved.

In the 2am theft on Nov 20, 2006, a group of 20 men, including four in Rela
uniform, attacked and beat 17 personnel of the air cargo complex and took off
with the microchips in two container trucks.

Several workers were forced to drink a concoction containing chloroform
that
made them nauseous and faint.

Five days later, two container trucks believed to be have been used in the
theft were found empty in an empty shop-house area in Taman Idaman, Simpang
Ampat, Nibong Tebal.

Nibong Tebal is a town situated in Seberang Perai on the mainland side of
northern Penang, Malaysia.



Meanwhile, Lim suggested that the police have posts at both ends of the
Penang Bridge to enhance security especially for vehicles that transport factory
goods to prevent them from being robbed midway.

He said this was important to ensure that companies operating in the state
felt safe and that their investments were secure.

The police has however suggested that Penang Bridge Sdn Bhd have more
closed
circuit TV cameras on and below the bridge.

"The underside of the bridge too needs to be monitored for sea movements
and
explosive materials," said Salleh

-- BERNAMA