Drone helps foil RM1.7 million batik smuggling attempt

Malaysian authorities have successfully thwarted an attempt to smuggle batik fabric worth RM1.7 million from Thailand into the country. The operation, carried out by the General Operations Force (PGA) in Tumpat, utilized drone technology to detect the illicit activity at the Nibong illegal jetty.

The raid, which occurred at 12:22 a.m., also led to the arrest of a 32-year-old lorry driver who was found at the scene. According to Senior Assistant Commissioner Ahmad Radzi Hussain, commander of the Southeast Brigade, PGA members on duty spotted a lorry entering the illegal jetty area. Further observation revealed several individuals unloading sacks from a boat into the back of the lorry.

Upon confronting the individuals, the PGA team managed to detain the lorry. An inspection of the vehicle's rear uncovered blue and white sacks filled with batik fabric, believed to have been smuggled from Thailand. The driver confessed to being paid RM50 to deliver the batik to a house in Pasir Tumbuh, Kota Bharu, where it was intended to be marketed as high-quality Terengganu batik.

The case is currently being investigated under Section 135(1)(e) of the Customs Act 1967. This bust highlights the ongoing efforts by Malaysian authorities to combat smuggling activities along the country's borders, with technology like drones playing an increasingly vital role in surveillance and interdiction.