KUCHING: The Sarawak General Operations Force (GOF) Brigade recorded seizures worth RM300.7 million in the first seven months of this year – its highest total since 2022.
Department of Internal Security and Public Order (GOF) Deputy Director, Datuk Mohamad Suzrin Mohamad Rodhi (pic), said the figure marked a 260.9 per cent increase compared to RM83.3 million recorded for the whole of last year.
“Between January 1 and July 31 this year, the brigade had carried out 299 raids, which resulted in 394 arrests.
“Of those detained, 296 were locals (274 men and 22 women) while 98 were Indonesians (91 men and seven women),” he said at a press conference after witnessing the handing over of the Sarawak GOF Brigade Commander’s duties at Sarawak GOF Brigade Headquarters today.
Suzrin said e-waste accounted for the largest portion of the seizures at RM117 million, followed by smuggled cigarettes (RM89.1 million), vehicles (RM47.2 million), illicit liquor (RM12.8 million), frozen products (RM12.4 million), wildlife (RM2.4 million), and other items (RM19.8 million).
All cases are being investigated under various laws, including the Environmental Quality Act 1974, Immigration Act 1963, Customs Act 1967, Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Act 2007, Sarawak Forest Ordinance 2015, and Sarawak Wildlife Protection Ordinance 1998.
“This achievement demonstrates the effectiveness of the Sarawak GOF’s operations in strengthening border security and combating cross-border crime.
“These efforts will continue to ensure the nation’s sovereignty is preserved,” he stressed.
He also urged the public to cooperate by providing information on any illegal or suspicious activities to the authorities to aid enforcement efforts.
