KUALA LUMPUR: The Home Ministry has identified 71 illegal routes and smuggling trails along Sarawak’s border with Kalimantan.
Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said RM28 million has been approved to develop seven additional security posts, including at hotspots in Lubok Antu and Ba’kelalan.
Winding up the debate on the 13th Malaysia Plan for his ministry in the Dewan Rakyat on Wednesday (Aug 20), he added that another RM64 million has been allocated for 22 border-related projects.
“These involve both physical and non-physical projects under the police, immigration department and other border enforcement agencies,” he was quoted by FMT.
He added that 390 senior and lower-ranking police officers will also be stationed to further strengthen border protection.
Meanwhile, Saifuddin said the authorities have intensified efforts against illegal gambling operations in Sarawak, many of which operate under the guise of coffee shops.
From January to July this year, he said, a total of 509 raids were conducted statewide, resulting in 535 arrests.
“We will continue to take firm action, including under the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001, as well as the Prevention of Crime Act 1959,” he said.
He stressed the ministry also works closely with the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) and Sarawak Energy Bhd to cut electricity and water supply to the premises involved.
“At the same time, we will review existing laws to see if they need to be strengthened,” he said.
Saifuddin noted that while authorities can take down gambling websites within seconds, operators are quick to create mirror websites as replacements.
