Tumpat: The General Operations Force (GOF) thwarted two attempts at smuggling daily necessities, with over RM64,000 worth of goods seized in two separate incidents around Tumpat yesterday. GOF Southeast Brigade Commander Datuk Nik Ros Azhan Nik Ab Hamid stated that in the first incident at 11:30 am, a team from Battalion 9 of the GOF, conducting Op Taring Wawasan Kelantan, intercepted a four-wheel drive vehicle at an illegal Kayu Kampung Store base.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, upon inspecting the vehicle, the team discovered 603 kilogrammes of frozen food, 240 kg of frozen chicken, and various grocery items believed to have been smuggled in from Thailand. "The driver, a 48-year-old woman, is believed to be delivering the goods for the local market," said Nik Ros Azhan. The total value of the seizures, including the vehicle, is estimated at RM62,000. The case is currently under investigation under Section 135(1)(d) of the Customs Act 1967, and the suspect, along with the seized items, has been handed over to the Customs Department in Pengkalan Kubor.

Meanwhile, in a second incident at Kampung Cherang Melintang, Tumpat, at approximately 9 am, a GOF patrol team discovered an abandoned vehicle in front of a house. Upon inspection, the team found 650 kg of various types of rice, believed to have been smuggled from Thailand, with an estimated value of RM2,600. Nik Ros Azhan mentioned that this case is being investigated under Section 20 of the Control of Padi and Rice Act 1994, with the seized items handed over to the Padi and Rice Regulatory Board.

"The GOF is committed to enhancing border control in curbing smuggling activities, which not only affect the national economy but also impact the safety and prosperity of the people," he added.