KUCHING: The General Operations Force (GOF) here seized frozen food products and various items worth RM1.91 million in two raids in Bau and Serian.
Sarawak GOF Brigade Commander SAC Dr Che Ghazali Che Awang said the first raid took place at a premises in Bau on Feb 26 at 8.30 pm.
The operation, conducted by GOF 11th Battalion, targeted a premises suspected of being used to store controlled goods and frozen food products before smuggling them across the Malaysia-Indonesia border.
“Nine men and one woman, all locals aged between 30 and 62, were arrested. Further checks revealed various types of controlled goods and frozen food hidden in the back of seven lorries parked at the premises.
“The total value of the seized goods is estimated at RM1.2 million. The suspects and confiscated items have been handed over to the Department of Paddy and Rice Regulatory, the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN), and the Sarawak Veterinary Services Department for further investigation,” he said in a statement today.
The case is being investigated under the Control of Paddy and Rice Act 1994, the Control of Supplies Act 1961, and the Veterinary Public Health Ordinance 1999 for importing livestock-based products without a valid permit.
Meanwhile, the second raid in Serian was carried out by GOF 23rd Battalion at 11.15am on Feb 27.
“The team arrested three local men, aged between 27 and 59, for further action. Inspections led to the finding of 8,869.65kg of frozen food, kept inside a container at the premises.
“Officers also seized three forklifts. The total value of the seized goods is estimated at RM715,636. The suspects and confiscated items have been handed over to the Sarawak Veterinary Services Department for further investigation,” he added.
The case is being investigated under the Veterinary Public Health Ordinance 1999.
