Latest news with #HakemalHawari
New Straits Times
05-08-2025
- New Straits Times
1,005 arrested, RM1bil seized in anti-trafficking, migrant smuggling crackdown
KUALA LUMPUR: Police arrested 1,005 people in 228 anti-trafficking and migrant smuggling operations conducted between January and August this year. The operations, carried out under the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants (ATIPSOM) initiative, also led to the seizure of items worth up to RM1 billion. General Operations Force (GOF) Central Brigade commander Senior Assistant Commissioner Hakemal Hawari said the raids were conducted in Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya, Negri Sembilan, Melaka and Johor. "In Selangor alone, 10 raids were carried out and 15 smugglers were arrested during this period," he said in a statement today. Of those arrested in Selangor, eight were locals while seven were Indonesians. Authorities also detained 224 undocumented migrants along the Selangor coastline. Hakemal added that in recent operations in Selangor, police seized 10.35kg of syabu, 3.6kg of ecstasy pills and several vehicles, with the total estimated value at RM1.5 million. He also urged the public to work closely with the authorities. "We call on the public to be our eyes and ears in helping to secure the country's borders from illegal entry and criminal activities," he said.
Malay Mail
05-08-2025
- Malay Mail
Atipsom crackdown: Eight Malaysians among 15 suspected ‘tekong darat' arrested, over 1,000 nabbed since January
KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 5 — Eight Malaysian citizens are among 15 suspected tekong darat, or ground handlers of smuggling activities, who have been arrested by the police in raids conducted under the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants (Atipsom) Act in Selangor since January 1 this year. General Operations Force (GOF) Central Brigade Commander SAC Hakemal Hawari said seven Indonesian tekong darat and 224 illegal immigrants were also arrested during the period. 'In the raids conducted on June 21 and July 22, the GOF team also seized drugs, suspected to be syabu, weighing 10.355 kilogrammes, and 3.6 kilogrammes of ecstasy pills, as well as vehicles, with the total amount of seizure estimated to be worth RM1.5 million,' he said in a statement last night. He said the arrests and seizures were the result of various strategic enforcement approaches targeting smuggling activities, particularly in Malaysian waters along the Selangor coast and the west coast of Johor. According to Hakemal, a total of 288 raids were conducted during the same period across Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya, Negeri Sembilan, Melaka, and Johor. This resulted in the arrest of 1,005 individuals and seizures worth RM1.1 billion, he said, adding that the success proved the GOF's commitment to combating crimes that threaten the country's security and well-being. 'The public is urged to be the eyes and ears of the security forces, channel information regarding criminal activities to ensure that the country's borders continue to remain free from encroachment and illegal activities,' he said. — Bernama
The Star
05-08-2025
- The Star
GOF Central Brigade carried out 288 raids, seized RM1.1bil in items from Jan 1 to Aug 4, says commander
KUALA LUMPUR: A total of 288 raids were carried out by the General Operations Force (GOF) Central Brigade between Jan 1 and Aug 4, 2025, resulting in the arrest of 1,005 individuals and about RM1.1bil in items seized. GOF Central Brigade commander Senior Asst Comm Hakemal Hawari said the operations spanned several states under the Central Brigade's jurisdiction including Selangor, Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya, Negri Sembilan, Melaka, and Johor. "Among the items seized were various types of contraband and illegal goods. "It shows our unwavering commitment to curbing criminal activities that threaten national security and public wellbeing," he said in a statement. He said the achievement reflects ongoing efforts by enforcement agencies to combat crime and protect the nation's borders. "We also urge the public to play a proactive role by sharing information and acting as the 'eyes and ears' of security forces to ensure the country's borders remain secure from illegal intrusions and illicit activities," he added. On a related matter, SAC Hakemal said the Central Brigade has also intensified its strategic operations to combat smuggling-related crimes along Malaysia's western maritime borders, particularly in the coastal areas of Selangor and western Johor. "Our ongoing operations are focused on deterring cross-border criminal activities, especially human trafficking and the smuggling of migrants under the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Act (ATIPSOM). "Between Jan 1 and Aug 4, we conducted 10 operations in various parts of Selangor. "It led to the arrest of 15 'tekong darat' (land-based human trafficking coordinators), comprising eight Malaysians and seven Indonesians — as well as the detention of 224 undocumented migrants," he said. Further enforcement actions during two separate raids on June 21 and July 22 also led to significant drug seizures, he added. "We seized 10.35kg of syabu, 3.6kg of ecstasy pills, and several vehicles believed to be linked to trafficking activities," SAC Hakemal said, adding that the GOF will work closely with other enforcement agencies to tighten border security.
New Straits Times
08-05-2025
- New Straits Times
Police detain 8 in crackdown on ketum trade across 3 states
KUALA LUMPUR: Police have detained eight men in Selangor, Kuala Lumpur and Penang as part of coordinated operations targeting the illegal production and distribution of ketum leaves and water. Six of them were arrested in Selangor and Kuala Lumpur following two raids on April 24 and May 6, conducted by the General Operations Force (GOF) Central Brigade as part of 'Op Taring Mitra'. In a statement today, Central Brigade commander SAC Hakemal Hawari confirmed that authorities seized ketum leaves, processed ketum water, equipment for processing and several vehicles, with a total estimated value of RM657,400. In a separate raid in Penang, two 23-year-old men were arrested today at a house in Batu Maung, where police recovered 85kg of ketum leaves and 1,500 packets of ketum water worth RM9,300. Barat Daya police chief ACP Sazalee Adam, the suspects had been renting the property for six months to produce and sell the ketum water at RM5 per packet. Both suspects are being remanded and the case is being investigated under Section 30(3) of the Poisons Act 1952, he said.
New Straits Times
08-05-2025
- New Straits Times
Police detain 14 in crackdown on ketum trade across 3 states
KUALA LUMPUR: Police have detained 14 men in Selangor, Kuala Lumpur and Penang as part of coordinated operations targeting the illegal production and distribution of ketum leaves and water. Twelve suspects were arrested in Selangor and Kuala Lumpur following two raids on April 24 and May 6, conducted by the General Operations Force (GOF) Central Brigade as part of 'Op Taring Mitra'. In a statement today, Central Brigade commander SAC Hakemal Hawari confirmed that authorities seized ketum leaves, processed ketum water, equipment for processing and several vehicles, with a total estimated value of RM657,400. In a separate raid in Penang, two 23-year-old men were arrested today at a house in Batu Maung, where police recovered 85kg of ketum leaves and 1,500 packets of ketum water worth RM9,300. Barat Daya police chief ACP Sazalee Adam, the suspects had been renting the property for six months to produce and sell the ketum water at RM5 per packet. Both suspects are being remanded and the case is being investigated under Section 30(3) of the Poisons Act 1952, he said. – Bernama
