Malaysian authorities are ramping up border security operations ahead of the Aidiladha festive season to prevent the smuggling of subsidised and controlled goods across the country’s land and sea borders.
Internal Security and Public Order Department (JKDNKA) director Mohd Yusri Hassan Basri said the Royal Malaysia Police, through the General Operations Force (PGA) and Marine Police Force (PPM), has intensified patrols, roadblocks and intelligence operations targeting illegal smuggling routes commonly known as “rat lanes”.
He warned that strict action would be taken against anyone involved in smuggling activities or abuse of subsidised goods.
According to Mohd Yusri, enforcement efforts are currently focused on the Malaysia–Thailand border in Peninsular Malaysia as well as the Malaysia–Indonesia borders in Sabah and Sarawak.
Through operations such as Op Taring and Op Tiris, authorities are closely monitoring border hotspots and illegal crossing routes frequently used by syndicates to smuggle subsidised goods including diesel, petrol, cooking oil, sugar and other controlled items into neighbouring countries.
At the same time, the Marine Police Force has stepped up security measures and patrols in Malaysian waters during the festive and long holiday period.
Operations include monitoring maritime routes, inspecting suspicious boats and vessels, and increasing surveillance in high-risk coastal areas often exploited by cross-border smuggling groups.
Mohd Yusri said the heightened readiness level reflects JKDNKA’s commitment to protecting the country’s economy and preventing subsidy leakages that could affect the welfare of the people.
He added that aggressive, integrated and intelligence-driven enforcement operations carried out together with other agencies are believed to be effective in curbing the misuse of government subsidies.
“These efforts also ensure essential goods remain sufficient and accessible for the rakyat throughout the festive season,” he said.
Authorities stressed that Ops Tiris would continue nationwide as part of ongoing efforts to combat fuel smuggling and other cross-border crimes involving subsidised goods.
Mohd Yusri also called on members of the public to continue cooperating with enforcement agencies by providing information on smuggling activities.
He described public cooperation as a crucial element in safeguarding national security, sovereignty and economic interests from criminal syndicates seeking to exploit government subsidies for profit.
