Latest news with #RosAzhan
New Straits Times
20-05-2025
- New Straits Times
RM3.44mil in smuggled plants seized, two lorry drivers arrested in Kelantan
KOTA BARU: Separate operations under Op Taring Wawasan Kelantan led to the seizure of over RM3.44 million worth of ornamental plants, believed to be smuggled from Thailand, and the arrest of two lorry drivers. The raids which were carried out over the weekend by the General Operations Force's (GOF) 18th and EightBattalions in Jeram Perdah and Chabang Empat here, also resulting in the arrests of two local men and the confiscation of two lorries used in the smuggling activities. GOF Southeast Brigade commander Datuk Nik Ros Azhan Nik Ab Hamid said the first incident occurred on Sunday at 7.30pm when the GOF personnel from the 18th Battalion spotted a suspicious lorry near Pos Pok Teh Kana. "Checks revealed 15,000 green bamboo plants and 30 casuarina trees in the vehicle, believed to have been smuggled from Thailand," he said in a statement today. Ros Azhan said the lorry driver, a 23-year-old man, was also detained. The total seizure, including the lorry, was valued at RM1.02 million. Later the same night, at around 10pm, he said the second team from the Eighth Battalion stopped another suspicious lorry along Jalan Kampung Ana, Chabang Empat. Inside, officers found 115 black wood bonsai trees, 3,000 jasmine plants and various types of flowers, Ros Azhan said. The estimated value of the seizure was RM2.42 million. The 42-year-old driver, who was arrested, told the GOF personnel that he was delivering the plants to a nursery in Perak, Ros Azhan said.
New Straits Times
20-05-2025
- New Straits Times
RM321,000 goat smuggle crushed in border sting
TANAH MERAH: The General Operations Force (GOF) foiled an attempt to smuggle livestock across the Thai-Malaysian border after seizing a lorry carrying 162 goats, with the total haul worth an estimated RM321,000. Southeast Brigade Commander Datuk Nik Ros Azhan Nik Ab Hamid said the Ninth Battalion made the seizure at Kampung Batu Gajah at 2.41am. "The team was conducting routine patrols under Op Taring Wawasan Kelantan when they spotted a lorry passing through the area. "An inspection of the vehicle led to the discovery of 162 goats believed to have been smuggled in from Thailand without valid documentation," he said. Ros Azhan added that the lorry driver, a 32-year-old man, is suspected of transporting the livestock for distribution in the local market. "The total value of the seizure, including the vehicle, is estimated at RM321,000. The lorry and livestock have been handed over to the Kelantan Department of Veterinary Services for further action," he said. The case is being investigated under Section 36(1) of the Animals Act 1953. Ros Azhan reaffirmed the GOF's commitment to strengthening border security. "We remain committed to curbing smuggling activities along the nation's borders through continuous and targeted operations," he said.
New Straits Times
15-05-2025
- New Straits Times
11 migrants detained in raid on illegal mining site
KUALA KRAI: The General Operations Force (GOF) have detained 11 illegal immigrants in a raid on an unlicensed iron ore mining site here, following public tip-offs. Southeast Brigade GOF commander Datuk Nik Ros Azhan Nik Ab Hamid said the crackdown in Kampung Pahi was carried out at 1.30pm yesterday. He said the arrests were made by the 8th Battalion under Op Taring Wawasan. "The GOF team went to the area following public tip-offs. "After raiding the place, they found seven Bangladeshi men, three Nepalese men and one Indonesian man who were working at the site. "One of them did not possess a valid work permit, four others had expired permits, while the remaining individuals failed to produce any valid identification or entry documents into Malaysia," Ros Azhan said. "All of them were taken to the Kuala Krai district police for further action," he added. The foreigners were hired by an individual to do the illegal mining works, Ros Azhan said.
New Straits Times
28-04-2025
- New Straits Times
GOF seizes nearly RM100mil in contraband in first three months of the year
TUMPAT: The General Operations Force (GOF) at the Kelantan-Thai border seized nearly RM100 million in illicit goods in the first quarter of this year — nearly matching the total for the whole of last year. GOF Southeast Brigade commander Datuk Nik Ros Azhan Nik Ab Hamid attributed the success to more aggressive operations and improved intelligence gathering. "We have also deployed drones and enhanced logistical support to complement the increase in our operational tempo." Ros Azhan said in 2024, GOF arrested 1,604 people involved in 1,798 cases and seized goods worth a total of RM100.32 million. In comparison, in the first three months of the year, GOF arrested 474 people in 478 cases and seized RM96.26 million worth of contraband. "Smugglers will bring in anything as long as there is demand and it's profitable," he said. The seized items include rice, processed food, cosmetics, plants and even cows and goats. Three GOF battalions and other army units guard the 96km-long fenceless border along Sungai Golok. Ros Azhan said their task had been made more difficult by the harsh weather conditions and wild animals that roam the jungles. "The terrain, along with the narrow Sungai Golok, also makes it difficult to shut down these illegal activities. The Thai side of the border has a concrete wall while the Malaysian side has many routes that allow smugglers to slip through." But despite these challenges, Ros Azhan said GOF operatives guarding the border remained undaunted. "These challenges will not weaken our resolve," he said.
