KUCHING: Federal Police Internal Security and Public Order Department director Datuk Seri Acryl Sani Abdullah Sani wants smuggling activities throughout the state stopped.
In town for his first official visit to Sarawak General Operations Force (GOF) Brigade at Batu Kawa yesterday, Acryl noted how the brigade has been active in enforcing the law.
He said the GOF had achieved a measure of success with regards to addressing the issues of smuggling illicit cigarettes and alcoholic drinks, and also illegal logging.
“We have compiled the statistics of the arrests and goods confiscated during the anti-smuggling operations,” he said.
A total of 257 arrests were made in 35 cases from January to April 9 this year. The confiscated goods worth RM7,759,076 included logs, vehicles, bulldozers, excavators, chainsaws, diesel, cigarettes, fireworks, and alcoholic drinks.
From 2016 to 2018, a total of 1,029 persons were arrested in 236 cases involving RM35,666,109 worth of confiscated items.
Acryl said according to research house Nielsen and the Confederation of Malaysian Tobacco Manufacturers, Malaysia is the biggest consumer of illicit cigarettes with a total of 12 billion sticks sold in 2018.
Regarding his visit, he said he wanted to get a closer look at the Sarawak GOF Brigade, Sarawak Air Operations Force (PGU) and Sarawak Region Marine Force (Region 5).
“My first stop during my visit is the PGA brigade as it is one of the largest components of the force,” he told reporters yesterday after a ceremonial march-past held at the brigade camp.
Acryl believes that the brigade would continue its efforts to preserve law and order in the state.
Among those present at the parade were Internal Security and Public Order deputy director Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Datuk Mastor Mohd Ariff and Sarawak Brigade Commander Senior Assistant Commissioner of Police (SAC) Datuk Khaw Kok Chin.
