KUCHING : A total of RM4.6 million worth of untaxed goods, including cigarettes, alcohol, frozen food, and rice, were seized in eight major operations carried out by the Sarawak General Operations Force (PGA) Brigade under Op Taring, aimed at cracking down on smuggling and illegal trade throughout the state.
Sarawak PGA Brigade Commander SAC Dr Che Ghazali Che Awang said these operations, carried out across strategic locations such as Miri, Sibu, Serian, Tebedu, Bau, and Lundu, formed part of the ongoing enforcement efforts under Op Taring Alpha, Bravo, Chiller, and Awas/Batas, designed to tighten border controls and stop illegal activities.
Among the biggest seizures were over 42,000kg of frozen food, 820,000 sticks of illicit cigarettes, more than 6,000 litres of untaxed alcohol, and thousands of kilograms of rice smuggled without valid documentation. Several vehicles used to transport these contraband goods, including vans, lorries, and a Toyota Innova, were also seized.
The raids also led to the arrest of multiple local male suspects aged between their 20s and 50s. Dr Che Ghazali attributed the success of the operations to intelligence-led enforcement and strong inter-agency cooperation.
“These cases clearly show that smuggling syndicates are still trying to exploit various entry points in Sarawak, but our teams remain alert. We are committed to safeguarding our state’s borders, protecting public health, and ensuring national revenue is not compromised,” he said.
He added that from January 1 to July 21, 2025, the PGA Brigade recorded a total of 282 cases, resulting in 384 arrests, including 97 foreigners, and the seizure of 211 vehicles. The total value of all confiscated goods during this period is estimated at RM298.1 million.
Dr Che Ghazali affirmed that enforcement under Op Taring will be intensified to dismantle smuggling networks and maintain national security.
