31/03/2025

MONDAY | MAR 31, 2025

5

Warning issued to drug smugglers and users

Businessman held over RM10m scam KUALA LUMPUR: Police have arrested a businessman with the title of “Tan Sri” for allegedly scamming the public out of RM10 million under the pretence of handing the money over to police to resolve money laundering cases. According to a police source, the 59-year-old was apprehended by the Bukit Aman Anti-Money Laundering Act (AMLA) Criminal Investigation Team upon arrival at his residence in Jalan U-Thant on Saturday, after returning from Osaka in Japan. “The suspect has collected about RM10 million from victims. Initially, he allegedly demanded RM25 million, claiming he had close ties with police and could help resolve their cases. “He asserted that the money collected would be handed over to police to prevent the victims from facing any legal action or investigations under AMLA.” Authorities had been monitoring the suspect’s activities and the team launched an intelligence operation that led to his arrest. “The suspect, who has 30 years of experience in the oil and gas industry and serves as chairman of a company, will be remanded,” the source added. IGP Tan Sri Razarudin Husain confirmed that a press conference regarding the case would be held soon. – Bernama JOHOR BAHRU: A one-year-old girl died on Saturday, believed to have been run over by her father while he was reversing his car into the garage of their home in Taman Desa Harmoni. Seri Alam police chief ACP Mohd Sohaimi Ishak said the incident occurred at 2.30am when the 27-year-old father heard an unexpected noise coming from the left rear side of the car while he was reversing. “Upon exiting the car, he discovered his daughter lying behind the vehicle, bleeding and unconscious.” He immediately rushed his child to the Sultan Ismail Hospital for emergency treatment but the baby succumbed to severe head injuries and was pronounced dead at the hospital. The case is being investigated under Section 41(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987. Mohd Sohaimi urged the public to be more vigilant and aware of their surroundings, especially when young children are present, before starting their vehicles. “Drivers are reminded to exercise extra caution during this festive season and avoid rushing or being careless while on the road.” – Bernama Order to boost security at Thai border KOTA BHARU: The General Operations Force has been instructed to tighten operations along the Malaysia-Thailand border to prevent Thai nationals from using illegal routes to return to Thailand for Hari Raya celebrations. Kedah police chief Datuk Mohd Yusoff Mamat said: “The number of Thai nationals returning to their country in the past two days has reached almost 10,000 per day. “All are using the Immigration, Customs, Quarantine and Security complexes in Rantau Panjang, Pengkalan Kubor and Bukit Bunga. Although the majority are complying with legal procedures, we believe there are some trying to use illegal routes. “All illegal jetties or landing points will be closely monitored and anyone found violating the law will be detained. This directive has been in place since Dec 1 of last year and everyone must comply with the set regulations.” – Bernama Father runs over, kills one-year-old

o Agency has zero tolerance for trafficking, enforcement will be relentless regardless of quantity: Commander

intelligence gathering and undercover stings. Such operations have led to multiple arrests.” He delivered a clear warning that the agency has zero tolerance for drug smuggling, no matter the quantity. “Even if drugs are intended for personal use, possession remains a crime under the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952. The law is clear and enforcement will be relentless.” He reiterated that the agency is fulfilling its mandate to safeguard national borders, citing recent enforcement statistics. “The public must not trivialise the issue of drug smuggling or spread misinformation that undermines the hard work of our security forces.” He urged individuals who have made public confessions regarding drug smuggling to surrender to authorities before legal action is taken. “The agency will continue to tighten border control, strengthen intelligence operations and enhance strategic cooperation with domestic and international agencies.” Established last month, the agency oversees security at 22 entry points across Malaysia. By the year’s end, this number is expected to rise to 123, exceeding the initial target of 118. Mohd Nasaruddin said with intensified surveillance, the agency aims to make Malaysia’s borders impenetrable to criminal elements.

Ű BY IKHWAN ZULKAFLEE newsdesk@thesundaily.com

commonly detected drugs were Benzo with 18 cases, THC with 15 cases, ketamine with 14 cases and those related to cocaine or similar substances. “During this period, we recorded 15 positive urine tests, proving the effectiveness of our security personnel.” The agency’s crackdown has also revealed that traffickers use Bukit Kayu Hitam as a primary gateway, with suspects hailing from various states and cities. Mohd Nasaruddin denied the claims that drug smuggling is easy, stating that the agency has never let its guard down and would ensure entry points remain secure. “We conduct physical inspections on all travellers, including those using motorcycles to and from Thailand. “Surveillance cameras track movements, leaving no room for traffickers to slip through unnoticed.” He said authorities are aware that drug smugglers hire Thai nationals as lookouts to report operations conducted by Malaysian enforcement agencies. “This tactic was identified through

PETALING JAYA: The Border Control and Protection Agency (BCPA) has issued a warning that no route is safe for drug traffickers and users. Responding to claims that smuggling drugs into Malaysia is easy, the agency said measures are in place, with intelligence operations yielding immediate results. Its Bukit Kayu Hitam commander Mohd Nasaruddin M. Nasir confirmed that the agency is investigating recent allegations made by a local man, who claimed to have smuggled drugs into the country. Since it took over national border security in February, its multi-agency collaboration has made a significant impact. Based on data from 2025 by the National Anti-Drugs Agency and BCPA’s Bukit Kayu Hitam branch, 65 cases of new drug addict arrests have been recorded as a result of inspections and intelligence operations conducted at the Bukit Kayu Hitam entry point. He said of this number, the most

PRUDENT AND PREPARED ... Officers inspecting the flow of traffic yesterday on the East Coast Highway Phase 2 during Op Selamat 24 Aidilfitri at the Kuala Terengganu Toll Plaza. – BERNAMAPIC

Officers suspended pending probe into squabble KUALA LUMPUR: Three Kuala Lumpur City Hall enforcement officers involved in an altercation with a balloon vendor on Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman on Friday have been temporarily relieved of their duties. only after a full investigation is completed,”City Hall said in a statement yesterday. Earlier, a video was widely spread on social media depicting the scuffle between the vendor and officers. and medical requirements.” City Hall emphasised that enforcement actions are carried out without regard to racial background and are based on set regulations, with no racial motives.

It said strict action would be taken against anyone operating a business without a valid licence and causing public disturbance. It requested the cooperation of all parties to stop spreading sentiments and negative, irresponsible speculation that could escalate the situation. Dang Wangi police chief ACP Sulizmie Affendy Sulaiman confirmed having received a report from an enforcement officer regarding the incident. “We will call those involved to provide statements to assist with the investigation. The case is being investigated under Section 186 of the Penal Code for obstructing a public servant from carrying out their duties.” – Bernama

According to media reports, vendor Muhammad Zaimmudin Azlan, 28, is receiving treatment at a public hospital. City Hall previously clarified that the incident occurred after the vendor refused to cooperate and comply with enforcement directives, in addition to allegedly acting aggressively towards the officers on duty. Maimunah said City Hall representatives, namely executive director (Socioeconomic Development) Ismadi Sakirin and Enforcement Department director Mohd Muzammer Jamaluddin, visited Muhammad Zaimmudin in the hospital. “City Hall is considering covering his medical expenses, subject to further review

Kuala Lumpur mayor Datuk Seri Dr Maimunah Mohd Sharif said the decision was to enable City Hall and police to conduct an independent and thorough investigation. She said the matter was discussed with Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa. City Hall views this incident seriously and will not compromise on any misconduct by its personnel if proven guilty, especially when it affects the integrity and public trust in the enforcement institution. “We remain committed to upholding governance based on integrity, accountability and fairness for all. Any decision will be made