Kelantan border clampdown nets RM171mil in contraband

New Straits Times

17-07-2025

KOTA BARU: Police have seized an estimated RM171.6 million worth of contraband since the border crossing ban came into effect in December last year.
Kelantan police chief Datuk Mohd Yusoff Mamat, said the figure — recorded during the first six months of this year — represented a 78 per cent increase compared to the same period last year.
He said that about RM37.2 million worth of contraband was seized between January and June last year.
"The sharp rise clearly reflects the effectiveness of integrated operations under the Internal Security and Public Order Department (KDNKA), particularly in tightening border control, curbing smuggling activities, and safeguarding national sovereignty and security.
"Since the implementation of the ban, enforcement efforts under KDNKA have been significantly intensified.
"I've set specific performance targets for each district to ensure that operations are thorough and strategically aligned with our objectives," he said at the monthly assembly held at the state police headquarters today.
Mohd Yusoff said that the achievement would not have been possible without detailed planning, dedication, and the sacrifices of enforcement personnel.
He also stressed the importance of continued collaboration between enforcement agencies.
"This success is the result of strong strategic cooperation between federal and state-level agencies.
"The synergy we've built is delivering tangible results in strengthening Kelantan's border security.
"As the saying goes, 'Unity is strength'. I urge all enforcement bodies to continue reinforcing this collaboration — not only to sustain our current momentum, but to achieve even greater progress in securing our borders," he said.
On another matter, he said that a total of 62,815 traffic summonses were issued in Kelantan between January and June this year for various traffic offences.
"The majority of these were issued to motorists driving without a valid licence," he said.
In conjunction with the 218th Police Day celebrations for the Kelantan contingent, Mohd Yusoff said the state police had launched a 50 per cent reduction initiative on traffic summonses.
The initiative, held from June 23 to 27, was available at traffic payment counters across all districts in the state.
"Its primary aim was to offer the public an opportunity to settle outstanding summonses, to strengthen police-community relations, and to promote civic responsibility and respect for the law," he said.
The campaign received overwhelming response, with an estimated 3,700 people attending over the five-day period.