Leaking military details sabotage national security efforts, gives criminals the upper hand
Manipal University College Malaysia criminologist Nadiah Syariani Md Shariff explained that insider leaks of military operations could have far-reaching consequences beyond the immediate failure of security measures.
'Leaking military operational details can directly sabotage security efforts, causing planned operations to fail, exposing tactical methods and compromising ongoing counter-smuggling measures. This puts organised criminals one step ahead of enforcement at all times.
'Indirectly, it breeds distrust between agencies, making them reluctant to share sensitive information for fear of leaks, which in turn hampers inter-agency coordination,' she told Sinar Daily. Senior military officers' involvement in organised smuggling poses a serious national security threat, undermining Malaysia's defence integrity and enabling other illicit trades. Photo: MACC
Nadiah also highlighted the public health and safety implications if military assistance facilitated contraband smuggling.
She pointed out that if contraband like drugs was smuggled with military assistance, the public health and safety risks were enormous.
'Easier access to illegal substances can lead to a surge in drug abuse, lower street prices and greater availability to youths and vulnerable groups. This could also introduce new, more dangerous drugs into the market.
'From a health standpoint, we would likely see more overdoses, higher rates of communicable diseases such as HIV and Hepatitis and a spike in substance-related mental health issues.
'On the safety front, an abundance of drugs can drive up violent crime rates and youth involvement in trafficking. Loose border security also opens the door for other organised crimes like human trafficking, firearm smuggling and money laundering,' she added.
On measures to deter such conduct, Nadiah emphasised the need for strict punishments and protective incentives.
In terms of deterrence, she believes punishments should be strict enough to make officials think twice before engaging in such crimes.
'Involvement in smuggling syndicates should be treated as an aggravated offence, especially when committed in uniform, with higher sentencing bands for those found guilty.
'Lifetime bans from public office, security roles or regulated industries should be mandatory, alongside penalties like pension forfeiture, benefit clawbacks and disqualification from security-related work.
'Positive deterrents are equally important. Offering bonuses, whistle-blower rewards and strong protection for those who provide tips leading to convictions can encourage integrity while reducing opportunities for syndicate infiltration at every level,' she said.
On Aug 14, the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) remanded five senior Armed Forces officers for their alleged involvement in a smuggling syndicate operating in the southern region of Malaysia.
The officers, from the military intelligence division, were accused of colluding with the syndicate and leaking operational information to help them evade enforcement actions.
The five senior officers were among 10 individuals arrested in raids across the Klang Valley, with the remaining detainees including two online media journalists, a company manager, an administrative assistant at the Malaysian Medical Association and a foreign national.
Investigations revealed that the syndicate smuggled drugs, cigarettes and other contraband worth an estimated RM5 million monthly and bribed the officers with RM30,000 to RM50,000 per operation.
MACC seized over RM63,000 in cash, drugs, weighing equipment, liquor and imitation firearms from the premises. Senior MACC official Saiful Ezral Arifin confirmed that the case is being investigated under corruption-related and money laundering offences.
Remand orders, ranging from two to seven days, were issued by magistrate Irza Zulaikha Rohanuddin at the Putrajaya magistrates' court.
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