IPOH:Police have not ruled out the possibility of tight surveillance and control at the Malaysia-Thailand border in Perlis and Kedah will push smuggling syndicates to shift to the Pengkalan Hulu-Betong border in the state.
Perak police chief Datuk Mior Faridalathrash Wahid said the Pengkalan Hulu-Betong border received less attention by smugglers to carry out illegal activities as the area is hilly and covered with thick forests.
“That’s why this border area is not the main choice for smuggling activities, but we do not rule out the possibility that the route may become the target after this and of course we are constantly tightening control through cooperation with several other security agencies.
“The distance between the border gate in Pengkalan Hulu and the nearest town in the neighbouring country namely Bentong is only 700 metres, hence the tight control,” he said when met by Bernama at the Perak Police Contingent Headquarters here on Tuesday.
Mior Faridalathrash said security and monitoring assignments along the border which has 12km-long wall and 11.4km-long barbed wire fence also involved other agencies such as the MalaysianArmed Forces, the Malaysian Border Security, the Royal Malaysian Customs Department and the Immigration Department.
He said those who wish to enter the border area must pass through a roadblock at the Immigration, Customs, Quarantine and Security complex in Bukit Berapit, Pengkalan Hulu which is also assisted by the14th Battalion of the General Operations Force.
Mior Faridalathrash however admitted that small scale smuggling activities still occurred at the border, especially involving food items such as cooking oil, wheat flour, sugar, milk and Thai rice as well as ketum, drugs, firearms.
He said from January to September this year, 14 smuggling cases were recorded involving the arrest of nine individuals including a foreign national.
“Among the items seized were three vehicles, 117,316 cigarettes and more than 1,000 litres of liquor with a total seizure of RM330,537,” he said.
On whether security forces at the Perak borders had ever received threats or been attacked by smugglers, Mior Faridalathrash said police had not received any reports on the matter so far.
Meanwhile, hesaid police also increased intelligence activities to combat ketum smuggling activities along Jalan Raya Timur Barat (JRTB) Gerik-Jeli.
-- BERNAMA
Bernama
Fri Dec 04 2020
Perak police chief Datuk Mior Faridalathrash Wahid said the Pengkalan Hulu-Betong border received less attention by smugglers to carry out illegal activities as the area is hilly and covered with thick forests. -Astro AWANI file pic
Who is Prabowo Subianto, incoming president of Indonesia?
A wealthy ex-general with ties to Indonesia's popular outgoing president and its dictatorial past, looks set to be its next leader.
Iran's supreme leader says Hamas leader's death will not halt 'Axis of Resistance'
The "Axis of Resistance", built up with years of Iranian support, includes Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various Shi'ite groups in Iraq and Syria.
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.