KUCHING: Sarawak General Operations Force (PGA) Brigade has successfully carried out two major operations, Op Taring Libas and Op Taring Bravo 3, leading to the seizure of illegal goods worth RM4.8 million.
PGA Commanding Officer SAC Dr. Che Ghazali Che Awang said during the raid, they arrested three local men aged between 36 and 56, yesterday at 9.30 am in a logging area in Saratok.
Further inspection led to the discovery of 85 logs of various types and the seizure of six vehicles.
The estimated total value of the seizure is RM3,223,000.
The arresting team, he said was from the 23rd PGA Battalion, Sri Aman.
He added he arrested individuals and the seized items have been handed over to the Sarawak Forest Department, Sri Aman Division, for further investigation under the Sarawak Forest Department Offences Ordinance 2015.
In a different raid, PGA from Kuching arrested two men and three women, aged between 23 and 55.
Seized from them were smuggled meat in two locations, Padawan and Kota Samarahan.
The suspects were believed to be storing and importing livestock products without valid permits.
They also seized 36,178 kilograms of frozen chicken and beef, along with two containers and three vehicles.
The total estimated value of the seizure is RM1,602,500.
The arrested individuals and confiscated items have been handed over to the Sarawak Veterinary Department for further action under Section 9(1)(3) of the Veterinary Public Health Ordinance 1999.
Dr. Che Ghazali said since the launch of Op Taring by the Sarawak PGA Brigade on January this year, the operation has recorded total seizures worth RM153 million.
They handled 61 cases, leading to the arrest of 130 individuals, 98 locals and 32 foreigners and the seizure of 70 vehicles of various types.
He urged the public to report any suspicious activities related to illegal logging, smuggling, or other crimes to assist in maintaining law and order.
By Connie Chieng