JOHOR BARU: The 5th Battalion of the Simpang Renggam General Operations Force (GOF) seized items for various offences amounting to RM23,344,561 in 2024.
GOF Central Brigade commander Senior Asst Comm Hakemal Hawari said the achievements were made under "Ops Taring Nyah 1" Johor and Selangor.
He said they also apprehended 262 suspects, consisting of 240 men and 22 women, involving 80 cases for various offences.
"The operation, focusing on securing the western coast of Peninsular Malaysia against smuggling, illegal immigrants, contraband and cross-border crimes, resulted in a significant number of arrests and seizures," he said in a statement here on Monday (Jan 20).
SAC Hakemal added that notable successes in 2024 include a case in Bukit Pelandok, Negri Sembilan, where contraband cigarettes worth RM2,559,500 were confiscated.
He said another case in Setia Indah, Johor involved the seizure of goods valued at RM1,657,716, also investigated under the Customs Act.
SAC Hakemal added that the operation was still active in 2025.
"Under the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Act, seven adult men were detained and confiscations were valued at RM16,019.
"While under the Malaysian Palm Oil Board Act, goods worth RM1,017,560 were seized.
"All cases are under investigation by the police and relevant agencies according to existing legal provisions," he said.
"Community engagement is crucial for maintaining public safety and reducing crime rates," he said, adding that information on suspicious activities can be reported via the 5th Battalion GOF hotline at 07-755 7280.
