KUALA LUMPUR: The police have strengthened border security measures following intelligence that several Malaysians are suspected of being involved in cross-border firearms smuggling syndicates.
Bukit Aman Internal Security and Public Order Department (KDNKA) deputy director Deputy Comm Datuk Mohamad Suzrin Mohamad Rodhi said the matter came to light after a meeting with Thailand’s Region 9 Police, who shared intelligence findings on the syndicates’ activities.
He said Thai authorities’ investigations revealed that some Malaysians were believed to be involved in trafficking firearms.
“Efforts to track them down are ongoing. Investigations are being led by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and the Special Branch.
"At the KDNKA level, we have intensified border security patrols, including along key routes and Customs, Immigration, Quarantine and Security (CIQS) complexes, while tightening roadblocks to detect attempts to smuggle firearms.
“We also received intelligence from Sadao police regarding the seizure of M4 assault rifles that were being smuggled about two weeks ago,” he told reporters on Thursday (Sept 11) after officiating the closing ceremony of the KDNKA Obstacle Course Test at the General Operations Force (GOF) Central Brigade headquarters.
On Aug 29, Thai media reported that a 46-year-old Malaysian man was arrested by police in Sadao, Songkhla.
A search of a Malaysia-registered vehicle uncovered two M4 rifles, 300 rounds of 5.56mm ammunition, seven magazines, 100 rounds of.45 calibre bullets and 50 rounds of 9mm ammunition.
Preliminary investigations revealed the suspect had been hired to smuggle the weapons into Malaysia, while several other syndicate members remain at large.
Meanwhile, regarding the collaboration with Thai authorities, DCP Mohamad Suzrin stated that the ongoing engagement aims to enhance intelligence sharing and joint operations along the Malaysia-Thailand border, particularly with the GOF's Northern and South-Eastern Brigades.
"This cooperation is still ongoing, and we continue to exchange intelligence on how these incidents happen and the preventive measures needed.
"The GOF remains in constant communication with intelligence sources to ensure safety and public order along the border,” he added.
