BAU: The Malaysian Army successfully foiled an attempt to smuggle goods worth RM142,000 when a 10-ton truck carrying rice was intercepted at Sektor Serikin here last night (Jan 22).
Eastern Field Army Commander, Lieutenant General Datuk Mohd Sofi Md Lepi, said the incident occurred at 9.40 pm when personnel on duty spotted the truck moving at high speed in a suspicious manner along an illegal route from Kampung Serikin toward the border of a neighbouring country.
“The army acted swiftly to surround the route, stopping the truck along with a 38-year-old local driver just a few kilometres from the international border.
“A physical inspection of the truck revealed 320 sacks of rice and the vehicle itself, with a total estimated value of RM142,000. The seized items included rice weighing 50 kilogrammes per sack valued at RM64,000, and the 10-ton truck worth RM78,000,” he said.
He added that all seized items and the truck driver were handed over to the Bau Police Headquarters (IPD) for further action.
He also emphasised its commitment to tighten border security between Malaysia and Indonesia to prevent illegal immigration, smuggling activities, and cross-border crimes.
“The public has also been urged to report any suspicious activity along illegal border routes to enhance collective safety,” he stated.
He then described the operation as a success resulting from the integrity of army personnel.
He called on all army members in Sabah and Sarawak to maintain unity, strengthen their ranks, and continue serving the nation with honesty and dedication.
