SMUGGLING syndicates are using various tactics to bring firearms into the country via the Malaysia-Thai border, including by hiding pistols inside gunny sacks of rice.
Kosmo! reported that the most popular guns, Glock pistols, will only be smuggled via Sungai Golok if there is demand from drug syndicates or businessmen.
“The pistols can be procured from various areas in the southern part of Thailand and brought into the country via Sungai Golok.
“The price of a Glock pistol in Thailand is estimated to be about RM2,000. It will then be sold to customers here for between RM4,000 and RM6,000,” said a source.
According to the source, the selling price of the firearms will also vary depending on the quantity of ammunition ordered.
“The number of firearms will depend on the orders, sometimes it can be up to four a month for a smuggler,” said the source.
The source also revealed that Rantau Panjang and Tumpat remain the top illegal bases for the syndicates to smuggle firearms.
“The firearms are brought in using the same ‘jalan tikus’ (‘rat trails,’ used to describe dirt lanes) or to smuggle other items such as rice, contraband items and others,” noted the source.
Kelantan police chief Comm Datuk Muhamad Zaki Harun said police will continue to strengthen monitoring and enforcement activities at the border.
> Jerantut has been picked as one of the happiest towns in the country by the Town and Country Planning Department, Utusan Malaysia reported.
Popular among visitors for its tranquillity, nature-based experiences, food and local culture, Jerantut was picked based on the Malaysia Happiness Index for 2024.
Pulau Tawar state seat coordinator Haris Salleh Hamzah said the close relations of the various races including the Malays, Chinese, Indians as well as the Jahut and Bateq Orang Asli tribes further display the spirit of unity in the area.
“If a visitor stops by this town, they might be impressed by the calmness of the surrounding area.
“They can also stay at one of the affordable hotels or homestays and do not have to spend so much on food,” he said, adding that famous dishes in the area are ikan patin and kenerak (catfish) as well as local vegetables.
● The above article is compiled from the vernacular newspapers (Bahasa Malaysia, Chinese and Tamil dailies). As such, stories are grouped according to the respective language/medium. Where a paragraph begins with this ' >'sign, it denotes a separate news item.
