Authorities in Sabah seized over RM5 million (US$1.07 million) worth of contraband, including homemade firearms, ketum water, fireworks, cigarettes, and alcohol, in a series of operations conducted over the past two weeks.

The General Operations Force (GOF) carried out the raids from Jan 18 to Jan 31, leading to the arrest of 28 individuals. Among them were 15 Malaysian men, 12 Filipinos—including one woman—and an Indonesian.

Sabah GOF Commander Datuk Abdul Rani Alias said the enforcement efforts took place across both the east and west coasts of the state, targeting smuggling networks dealing in controlled and illegal goods.

“These crackdowns successfully disrupted smuggling activities involving various controlled items,” he said in a statement on Sunday (Feb 2).

Among the confiscated goods were frozen chicken, beef, and smuggled diesel, in addition to illicit alcohol and tobacco products.

The operations were conducted by personnel from the Tawau, Sandakan, Kota Kinabalu, Lahad Datu, Beluran, Keningau, and Kunak GOF Battalions.

According to Abdul Rani, multiple enforcement efforts were deployed, including Ops Taring Eszzone, Ops Taring Daratan, Ops Bersepadu Khazanah, and Ops Kontraban, alongside road checkpoints.

Authorities have yet to disclose further details on the individuals arrested or the next course of action against the smuggling networks. – February 2, 2025