Armed Forces foils attempt to smuggle 600 magpies into Indonesia

The Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) foiled an attempt to smuggle 600 magpies, estimated to be worth RM18,000 to RM24,000, into Indonesia through '’Ops Benteng'’ in Kampung Punggai, Bandar Penawar, Johor last night.

In a statement issued today, the Third Malaysian Infantry Division Headquarters said that the Seventh Malaysian Infantry Brigade which was responsible for supervising the area received a tip-off from the public about a suspicious boat on the beach in Kampung Punggai.

"The Quick Reaction Force team of the First Battalion of the Royal Ranger Regiment acted upon the information at about 10.15 pm and discovered 60 crates containing 600 magpies about to be smuggled into Indonesia.

"The confiscated items were handed over to Perhilitan Johor (The Johor Wildlife and National Parks Department) for further action and a report was lodged at the Bayu Damai police station," according to the statement.

The statement also said that the suspects fled upon realising the presence of security forces in the area.

The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency is said to have also dispatched a boat to conduct a search in the waters, but the boat used by the smugglers has yet to be found.

-- BERNAMA