BERNAMA filepic
KOTA BARU: Kelantan police have tightened border security to curb cattle smuggling ahead of Hari Raya Aidiladha following reports of an anthrax-related death in Thailand earlier this month.
Kelantan police chief Comm Datuk Mohd Yusoff Mamat (pic) said his department is working closely with relevant agencies, including the Veterinary Services Department and border authorities, to prevent the illegal entry of livestock into the country.
ALSO READ: Thailand govt urges calm after first anthrax death in decades
"The deaths have been linked to the slaughter and consumption of raw meat in Don Tan district, Mukdahan province, Thailand, which borders Laos, according to a report by Thailand’s Department of Disease Control.
"Kelantan police continue to strengthen intelligence gathering, patrols and inter-agency cooperation to safeguard national security and combat smuggling,” he told reporters after the monthly assembly at the Kelantan police contingent headquarters on Thursday (May 15).
Comm Yusoff also reminded operators and livestock farmers not to bring in cattle through illegal routes and to use only authorised checkpoints at the ICQS Complex to ensure proper health screening is conducted.
ALSO READ: Cattle imports confirmed safe
He stressed that livestock smuggling not only harms the local industry but also poses a risk of spreading infectious diseases to humans.
Comm Yusoff added that the Border Security Coordination Committee’s working group meeting with the National Security Council has identified the need to enhance enforcement against livestock smuggling activities.
From last year to April this year, he said, a total of 390 cows and 25 buffaloes worth nearly RM4mil have been seized in 36 cases.
ALSO READ: DVS: No cases of anthrax reported in Malaysia so far
In a related development, Comm Yusoff confirmed that police have received information regarding alleged abuse of power involving border enforcement personnel.
"Preliminary information indicates possible misconduct related to smuggling, including livestock.
"A special task force has been formed and investigations are underway by the Kelantan police intelligence division,” he said. – Bernama
