Stern action against those involved in border smuggling: Muhyiddin

PONTIAN: Stern action will be taken against security personnel found to be involved in rampant smuggling activities in Padang Besar, Perlis, said Home Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.

Noting that such activities on the Malaysia-Thai border were long-standing and although various types of action had been taken in the past, he said if there was any new evidence such as clear photos and videos which could be used by the police, action would be taken against security personnel involved in such crimes.

In this connection, the Minister expressed his thanks to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) for its disclosure of an 11-minute video which featured smuggling activities undertaken in Padang Besar between 2017 and May 2019.

Among others, the footage showed a smuggler in the act of cutting border fencing before smuggling subsidised goods while a security officer witnessed the activity, appearing not to take any action.

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Muhyiddin was speaking to the media after paying a visit to the Pontian district police headquarters.

Asked whether a task force should be established to address the incidence of smuggling, he said this was not needed in view of the fact that curbing such activities was among the responsibilities of security personnel themselves.

However, he said the Ministry would analyse the MACC data before deciding on the next course of action.

Meanwhile, the police have identified several members of the force who are believed to be corrupt, resulting in widespread smuggling activities along the country’s border.

Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Abdul Hamid Bador said investigations were being conducted and those involved would face disciplinary action if found guilty.

“The outcome of a meeting with brigade commanders, commanding officers of the General Operations Force (PGA) and the marine police commanders last month, found several weaknesses in the aspect of supervision and existing standard operating procedures (SOP).

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“As such, we plan to improve on certain aspects of the SOP used by the Royal Malaysia Police in border patrolling,” he said.

He said several proposals have been discussed and further action was being taken on the matter since last month.

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