The government could soon start to hold rice smugglers under a tough security law which allows detention without trial, local media reported today.

The Internal Security Act (ISA) could be used against rice smugglers if their action is considered to be economic sabotage, Deputy Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said.

"If there is proof and connection with economic sabotage, I think it is appropriate that the ISA is used," Abdullah was quoted as saying by The Star .