A smuggling operation involving thousands of batik fabrics from Thailand, allegedly intended to be sold as premium Terengganu batik, has been uncovered after authorities seized 8,800 pieces of cloth worth RM1.76 million during a raid in Kampung Simpangan, Tumpat, on Tuesday.
Southeast Brigade General Operations Force (GOF) commander Ahmad Radzi Hussain said the seizure was carried out under Op Taring Wawasan through a joint operation involving intelligence personnel, the Task Force, Pos PK 4 Battalion 8 GOF and the Royal Malaysian Customs Department (JKDM) in Pengkalan Kubor.
The operation began at about 7.30am after security personnel conducted drone surveillance at an illegal jetty in Nibong.
“Officers observed a lorry entering the illegal jetty area before a boat arriving from Thailand unloaded several blue and white sacks.
“A number of men were then seen transferring the sacks into the rear compartment of the lorry before the vehicle left the area in suspicious circumstances,” he said.
The raiding team later intercepted a white Isuzu Hicom lorry and carried out an inspection of its cargo.
Checks revealed that the sacks contained 8,800 pieces of batik fabric believed to have been smuggled from Thailand.
A 32-year-old lorry driver was also detained to assist with investigations.
Preliminary investigations found that the suspect, who works as a lorry driver, was allegedly paid RM50 to transport the shipment.
Authorities believe the batik fabrics were destined for a house in Pasir Tumboh, Kota Bharu, before being marketed as high-quality Terengganu batik.
However, the suspect claimed he was unaware of the final destination or intended sale of the fabrics.
The case is being investigated under Section 135(1)(e) of the Customs Act 1967.
The suspect and all seized items have been handed over to the Royal Malaysian Customs Department in Pengkalan Kubor for further action.
