BAU: The army successfully thwarted a local man’s attempt to smuggle 750 sacks of shallots into a neighbouring country on Monday.
The incident occurred around 11.20 pm when the army from the First Infantry Division noticed a suspicious six-tonne lorry at the Empaling oil palm plantation in Kampung Stass, approximately 120 metres from the Malaysia-Indonesia border.
According to the Eastern Field Command headquarters (PMTTD), the vehicle, which had a covered load, was intercepted as it appeared to be trying to enter Indonesia through an illegal route.
“Inspections led to the discovery of 750 packs of shallots, worth RM75,000, in the cargo bed of the lorry,” the army said in a statement.
“Consequently, the 54-year-old driver was arrested for allegedly smuggling the subsidised goods to Indonesia.”
“The total value of the seizure, including the Mitsubishi Fuso lorry, is estimated to be RM195,000,” it added.
A police report was filed at the Bau police station, and the seized items were handed over to the police for further action.
The army reiterated its commitment to fortifying border control measures at the Malaysia-Indonesia border, ensuring the safeguarding of the state’s sovereignty against illegal entries, smuggling, and cross-border criminal activities.
