KUCHING: The General Operations Force (GOF) thwarted three separate smuggling attempts involving over RM1.5 million worth of controlled goods believed to be en route to the Malaysia-Indonesia border without valid permits.
Sarawak GOF Brigade Commander SAC Dr Che Ghazali Che Awang said the biggest seizure occurred on Aug 1, when the brigade’s Intelligence Branch raided four lorries in Bau at 9.05 pm.
The lorries were suspected of transporting controlled goods bound for the border without proper documentation.
“Four local men, aged between 24 and 54, were arrested during the raid.
“Checks on the lorries led to the discovery of 35,000kg of Bombay onions and 1,400kg of garlic. The estimated value of the seizure, including the lorries, stood at RM1,128,000,” he said.
The suspects and seized goods were handed over to the Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry (KPDN) Kuching branch for further investigation under Section 21 of the Control of Supplies Act 1961 and Section 23(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987.
In another case on Jul 24, the GOF 11th Battalion’s Intelligence Branch intercepted two lorries carrying 10,000kg of imported sugar using an illegal route in Lundu around 9.30 pm.
Che Ghazali said that two local men, aged 38 and 47, were arrested, and the total value of the seizure, including the lorries, was estimated at RM350,000.
The case is being investigated under Section 21 of the Control of Supplies Act 1961, as well as Sections 15(1)(A) and 26(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987.
“Meanwhile, on Jul 21, GOF 10th Battalion stopped a Toyota Hilux in Sri Aman around 3.30 pm. The vehicle was believed to be ferrying a mix of controlled items without a valid permit via an illegal road.
“A 67-year-old local man was detained. Among the items seized were rice, cooking oil, sugar, and other goods, with a combined market value of RM121,795.70,” he said.
He added that the suspect and goods were handed over to the Kuching Paddy and Rice Regulatory Division and KPDN Sri Aman for further action.
The case is being investigated under Section 21 of the Control of Supplies Act 1961 and the Paddy and Rice Control Act 1994 (Act 522).
