GOF seizes nearly RM100mil in contraband in first three months of the year
TUMPAT: The General Operations Force (GOF) at the Kelantan-Thai border seized nearly RM100 million in illicit goods in the first quarter of this year — nearly matching the total for the whole of last year.
GOF Southeast Brigade commander Datuk Nik Ros Azhan Nik Ab Hamid attributed the success to more aggressive operations and improved intelligence gathering.
"We have also deployed drones and enhanced logistical support to complement the increase in our operational tempo."
Ros Azhan said in 2024, GOF arrested 1,604 people involved in 1,798 cases and seized goods worth a total of RM100.32 million.
In comparison, in the first three months of the year, GOF arrested 474 people in 478 cases and seized RM96.26 million worth of contraband.
"Smugglers will bring in anything as long as there is demand and it's profitable," he said.
The seized items include rice, processed food, cosmetics, plants and even cows and goats.
Three GOF battalions and other army units guard the 96km-long fenceless border along Sungai Golok.
Ros Azhan said their task had been made more difficult by the harsh weather conditions and wild animals that roam the jungles.
"The terrain, along with the narrow Sungai Golok, also makes it difficult to shut down these illegal activities.
The Thai side of the border has a concrete wall while the Malaysian side has many routes that allow smugglers to slip through."
But despite these challenges, Ros Azhan said GOF operatives guarding the border remained undaunted. "These challenges will not weaken our resolve," he said.
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