KUCHING: The Sarawak General Operations Force (PGA) Brigade has conducted impressive raids in its ongoing battle against smuggling and illegal trade through a series of raids under Op Taring, recording eight major enforcement successes with total seizures worth RM4.6 million.
Sarawak PGA Brigade Commander SAC Dr Che Ghazali Che Awang said the operations, conducted across key districts including Miri, Sibu, Serian, Tebedu, Bau, and Lundu targeted various illegal activities ranging from untaxed cigarettes and alcohol to frozen food and rice transported without valid permits.
The raids were part of the broader Op Taring Alpha, Bravo, Chiller, and Awas/Batas initiatives, which aim to tighten border control and disrupt illicit supply chains.
Among the significant seizures were over 42,000 kilograms of frozen food products, close to 820,000 sticks of illicit cigarettes, more than 6,000 litres of untaxed alcohol, and thousands of kilograms of rice. Several vehicles used in the transport of these goods, including lorries, vans, and even a Toyota Innova, were also confiscated. The operations led to the arrest of multiple suspects, all local men aged between their 20s and 50s.
Ghazali said the series of raids reflect the effectiveness of ongoing intelligence-based enforcement and inter-agency cooperation.
“These cases clearly show that smuggling syndicates are still trying to use various routes across Sarawak to carry out their operations, but our teams remain vigilant. We are committed to safeguarding the state’s borders and protecting public health and national revenue,” he said.
He also revealed that from January 1 to July 21 this year, the PGA Brigade has successfully handled 282 cases, arrested 384 individuals, including 97 foreigners and seized 211 vehicles, with total confiscations valued at RM298.1 million.
He assured that Sarawak PGA will continue to strengthen operations under Op Taring and other enforcement strategies to dismantle smuggling networks and uphold national security.
By Connie Chieng