Army Tightens Border Control, Records Operational Success Almost Daily

KUALA LUMPUR, June 12 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian Army (TDM) has continued to tighten control along the country's borders to curb smuggling activities, recording successful arrests and seizures almost every day.

Army Chief Gen Tan Sri Azhan Md Othman said security along the border had never been relaxed, with personnel remaining on high alert at all times to ensure the country's sovereignty is safeguarded.

He said the TDM had also identified locations frequently used as traditional routes by smugglers and intensified surveillance in those areas.

“All planned border control operations throughout the country have so far been carried out smoothly,” he told reporters after officiating the TDM's Thoriq Bin Ziyad Mosque upgrading project and Forum Perdana Programme held in conjunction with the 93rd Army Day celebration at Kem Perdana Sungai Besi here today.

According to him, among the key operational focuses were efforts to combat the smuggling of controlled goods such as fuel and cooking oil, as well as other items including livestock.

Azhan said one of the latest successes involved the seizure of 115 sacks of rice smuggled from Thailand in three separate incidents around Sungai Golok, Kelantan, last Monday.

In addition, he said the procurement tender for four utility combat helicopters for the Army Air Corps (PUTD) had yet to be finalised, while several other asset acquisitions remained at the preliminary evaluation stage.

Media had reported that the PUTD is scheduled to receive eight helicopters, which are expected to arrive and enter service in stages beginning in August next year.

The procurement involves four AW149 helicopters under a 15-year lease arrangement, while another four utility combat helicopters will be leased for five years through an open tender process.

Meanwhile, he said the Thoriq Bin Ziyad Mosque at Kem Sungai Besi, which has been upgraded at a cost of RM5.3 million, can now accommodate up to 1,700 worshippers compared with 1,200 previously.

The project also involved the construction of a new main gate, covered walkways, replacement of the mosque's dome, and the provision of a parking area that also serves as a multipurpose space.

-- BERNAMA