LUBOK ANTU: An attempt by six locals to smuggle 5,840kg of rattans into a neighbouring country, was thwarted by the army in the early hours of yesterday (Apr 13).
The Eastern Field Army Command Headquarters in a statement, said that the incident occurred around 2.30am near a well-known local area called ‘Pondok John’, about 800 metres from the Malaysia-Indonesia border.
During their routine attack and capture task (SERKAP), a team of soldiers spotted a suspicious lorry and a pick-up truck heading towards the border.
The vehicles were stopped for inspections and they found six Malaysians, aged between 25 and 78, inside.
“Further examinations led to the discovery of 5,840kg of rattans in the back of the lorry.
“The rattans estimated to be worth around RM78,840, were intended for smuggling into Indonesia,” the headquarters said.
Additionally, the vehicles used in the crime were seized, bringing the total seizure value to RM283,840.
The headquarters confirmed that a police report was lodged at Lubok Antu police station, and all seized goods were handed over to the Sarawak Customs Department for further action.
In light of this, the army reiterated its commitment to strengthening border control measures along the Malaysia-Indonesia border to safeguard the state’s sovereignty against illegal entries, smuggling, and cross-border criminal activities.
