The Malaysian Prisons Department (JPM) has launched an internal investigation following an attempted drone smuggling operation involving prohibited items at Sungai Udang Prison Complex in Melaka.
In a statement on Monday, JPM said the investigation aims to determine whether any inmates or other individuals were involved in the attempted smuggling.
“The department will not compromise on any breach of the law or misconduct that could jeopardise the safety and security of prison institutions,” it said.
JPM added that the case remains under investigation by the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) and declined to comment further to avoid interfering with ongoing investigations.
The department also urged the public not to speculate on the case, warning that unfounded claims could affect the police investigation.
It said security measures at prisons will continue to be strengthened through the use of advanced technology, intelligence gathering, surveillance, patrols and closer cooperation with enforcement agencies to address emerging threats such as the misuse of drones.
The statement follows the recent arrest of a local husband and wife, aged 46 and 27, who were suspected of renting a homestay near the Sungai Udang Prison Complex to launch a drone operation aimed at smuggling prohibited items to an inmate.
Their plan was uncovered after prison authorities detected the suspicious activity and alerted police, who later arrested the pair.
Melaka police chief Datuk Dzulkhairi Mukhtar previously said initial investigations found that the male suspect admitted to flying the drone to survey a suitable landing spot before attempting to deliver tobacco to an inmate.
Police also believe the smuggling attempt was carried out with the assistance of an inmate, with efforts ongoing to identify and locate those involved in collaboration with Sungai Udang Prison authorities.
