Border security to be stepped up to curb smuggling
Armed Forces chief General Zulkifeli Mohd Zin said the armed forces would step up operations, as well as patrols along the border.
“We know there may be attempts to smuggle prohibited items, like firecrackers, for the festive season,” he told Bernama.
He said during Ramadan, smugglers took advantage of the time for the breaking of fast and tarawih prayers to carry out their activities.
“So, patrols during the breaking of fast and tarawih prayer will be stepped up,” he added.
In Kota Baru, Acting Pengkalan Kubor Marine Operations Force (MOF) commanding officer Inspector Virak Kongpet said patrols along the Kelantan border were being stepped up to curb smuggling, especially firecrackers, with the approaching festive season.
“Operations will also be conducted periodically, especially at night and early morning, along Sungai Golok,” he said.
Virak said the operation would focus on boats plying the river.
In Kangar, Perlis Malaysian Border Security Agency (Aksem) commander DSP Syed Basri Syed Ali said smuggling of subsidised items, like cooking oil, flour and sugar, from Malaysia across the border was normally done in small quantity by individuals on motorcycles, especially in Wang Kelian.
“They carry the items in small quantity, but if it is done five to six trips a day, the amount is big,” he said, adding that during the fasting month, the smuggled items would include firecrackers and fireworks, as well as glutinous rice.
“In Ipoh, Perak Customs deputy director Kamaruddin Ahmad said checks at Bukit Berapit and Pengkalan Hulu had been intensified to curb smuggling activities with the coming of Aidilfitri.
“Checks will be conducted on all vehicles, including lorries carrying fruits, to ensure they are not used to smuggle prohibited items like firecrackers, fireworks and glutinous rice,” he added.
He said the department was working closely with the Perak border security authority in an effort to eliminate smuggling activities.
– BERNAMA
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