M’sian, Indonesian soldiers foil attempt to smuggle controlled grocery items in Tebedu

KUCHING (Sept 7): A team from the Malaysian Armed Forces First Infantry Division and the Indonesian National Armed Forces Army Division foiled an attempt to smuggle controlled grocery items in Tebedu on Friday.

A spokesperson from the First Division Infantry Public Communications Cell said the incident occurred at Sector Gabma Tebedu near an uncharted road about 100 metres from the Malaysian-Indonesian border.

“At 5pm, based on information from the public and locals, a report was received concerning the unloading activities of goods in black plastic bags at the uncharted road.

“Acting on the report, both Malaysian and Indonesian soldiers conducted patrols in the said area and found several black plastic bags containing controlled grocery items scattered along the road and was left under a tree,” he said in a statement.

The items comprised 37 boxes of meat, 72 sugar packets and 10 packs of rice.

Further investigation found no dangerous or contraband items.

“The items seized amounted to RM10,402.60. A police report was lodged in Tebedu police station and all seized items have been handed over to the Tebedu Customs station for further action,” he said.

First Division Infantry commander Maj Gen Datuk Mohamed Fauzi Kamis commended the personnel involved in the operation.

“The Malaysian Armed Forces remain committed in tightening the security along the Malaysian-Indonesian border to safeguard the nation’s sovereignty and prevent breaches by illegal immigrants, smuggling or cross-border criminal activities,” he added.