RANTAU PANJANG: Policemen manning the Kelantan - Thailand border have been urged to be vigilant against smuggling activities, especially those involving firearms.
Inspector General of Police Datuk Seri Abdul Hamid Bador said it could not be denied that smuggling activities were rampant along the border areas, and therefore police, including those conducting 'Ops Wawasan', had to be ready to face any posssibility.
“During my short visit to Kelantan today, l was briefed on the operations of the state police and the successes recorded by the districts situated close to the border.
"While their success was impressive, at the same time I urge them to be more careful when facing those involved in smuggling activities," he told a press conference after visiting the border today.
Abdul Hamid also praised the General Operations Force’s (GOF) Eighth Battalion for their seizure of smuggled livestock.
"Their success in nabbing a large number of livestock within a short period was extraordinary.
"Based on the briefing I received from Commanding Officer (Superintendent Ramly Poncho), it clearly shows that his GOF members have carried out their duties with integrity.
"This could be seen based from the number of cattle seized and smuggling cases recorded by the battalion," said Abdul Hamid.
Abdul Hamid said it was also evident that GOF members were giving their all in trying to strengthen the laws involving all border agencies such as the Immigration Department, Customs Department and the Veterinary Department.
The New Straits Times had on Tuesday reported how the GOF had seized almost RM1 million worth of livestock being smuggled into Malaysia at the Thai border.