The Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM) have successfully thwarted an attempt to smuggle 20 cattle, valued at an estimated RM225,000, believed to have originated from a neighbouring country in an operation near Sungai Golok, Rantau Panjang, on Tuesday.
The Second Infantry Division Headquarters (2 Division) said in a statement that the seizure took place at around 6.45pm within the operational area of the 8th Infantry Brigade. The operation was part of ongoing border security efforts to curb illegal cross-border activities.
During routine surveillance using a mini Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), troops detected a suspicious three-tonne lorry near the border line. Further aerial monitoring revealed that the cattle were being held on the Thai side, reportedly awaiting illegal entry into Malaysia via the Sungai Golok route.
Authorities said the UAV observation indicated that the 20 cattle were positioned for smuggling across the border, highlighting the continued use of remote river routes for illicit livestock trafficking.
As the operation was carried out, a local man believed to be involved fled the scene, abandoning the vehicle and its cargo in an attempt to evade arrest. The lorry was later found with all cattle still inside, believed to have been brought in without valid import permits or travel documentation.
Following inspections, the seized cattle and a three-tonne Isuzu lorry used in the operation were confiscated. A police report was lodged at the Lubok Stol Police Station in Rantau Panjang, and all seized items were handed over to the Royal Malaysian Customs Department at the Bukit Bunga Immigration, Customs, Quarantine and Security (ICQS) Complex for further action.
