Kuala lumpur: The Malaysian Prison Department is set to bolster its security measures by integrating advanced technology, intelligence monitoring, and increased patrols to address the escalating threat posed by drones being utilized for illicit activities.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, these proactive steps come in response to the department's recent detection and thwarting of an attempt to smuggle contraband into the Sungai Udang Prison Complex using a drone on July 15. In an official statement, the department revealed that it is conducting an internal investigation to ascertain if there is any involvement of inmates or other parties in this incident.
The department emphasized that the suspicious activity was identified through diligent monitoring and security controls, leading to a police report which facilitated enforcement action. A collaborative effort with the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) is being reinforced to maintain high security standards within prison facilities and to effectively prevent further attempts to smuggle prohibited items.
Following the lodging of the police report, the Royal Malaysia Police conducted an operation resulting in the arrest of two local suspects linked to the smuggling attempt. Among the items seized were several related to the operation. Melaka police chief Datuk Dzulkhairi Mukhtar confirmed the arrest of a 46-year-old man and a 27-year-old woman during a raid at Taman Kris Satria, Sungai Udang, for their involvement in attempting to smuggle tobacco into the prison.
Preliminary investigations disclosed that the male suspect, who has a history of 12 prior criminal records, admitted to piloting the drone to scout the intended landing site, supposedly in collaboration with an inmate. Meanwhile, the Prison Department reiterated its zero-tolerance policy towards any legal violations or misconduct that might compromise the security and order of prison institutions.
The department has decided not to provide additional comments on the case while the police investigation is ongoing and has urged the public to refrain from speculation.