KUCHING, 24 April 2025 – The Sarawak General Operations Force (PGA) Brigade has successfully uncovered smuggling activities worth an estimated RM3.5 million through its ongoing Ops Taring Alpha and Ops Taring Awas/Batas operations along the Sarawak-Kalimantan border.
Sarawak PGA Brigade Commanding Officer, SAC Dr Che Ghazali Che Awang, said the operations are part of continuous efforts to stop the smuggling of controlled and untaxed goods that frequently cross state borders illegally.
“This success reflects our team’s commitment and efficiency in protecting national security and public interest, especially in border areas that are often targeted by smugglers,” he said.
Major Raid in Bau – Ops Taring Alpha
On April 23, the Sarawak PGA’s Intelligence Division raided a premises in Bau and arrested a 58-year-old local man. Authorities seized 3,400 cartons of various white cigarette brands and a van, with an estimated value of RM1.77 million. The case is being investigated under Section 135(1)(d) of the Customs Act 1967.
Tight Border Patrols – Ops Taring Awas/Batas
Between April 21 and 23, five other major seizures were recorded during border patrols:
- Lundu (22 April): Three local men were arrested with 900 sacks of onions in three lorries. Estimated value: RM961,500. Investigated under the Supply Control Act 1961.
- Bau (23 April): Two men aged 23 and 25 were caught transporting 800 boxes of frozen food. Estimated value: RM427,800. Investigated under the Veterinary Public Health Ordinance 1999.
- Bau (21 April): A 51-year-old man was arrested with 400 sacks of shallots, valued at RM360,500.
- Tebedu, Sri Aman (22 April): PGA discovered 60 boxes of frozen meat in a suspicious pile. Value: RM48,000.
- Serian (21 April): A white sack containing three air rifle barrels and ammunition was seized. Value: RM18,300. Investigated under the Firearms Act 1960 and Veterinary Public Health Ordinance 1999.
Ops Taring’s Impactful Performance
According to SAC Dr Che Ghazali, between January 1 and April 24, 2025, the Sarawak PGA Brigade conducted 108 operations under Ops Taring, with total seizures valued at RM219 million.
A total of 256 individuals were arrested – 187 locals and 69 foreigners, while 152 vehicles of various types were confiscated.
“Our continuous presence at the border and smuggling hotspots has severely disrupted syndicate networks. We remain determined to defend national sovereignty and the welfare of the people,” he stressed.
