In-depth reporting on Malaysia and the region.
Singapore authorities arrested a Malaysian and a Singaporean man for attempting to smuggle duty-unpaid cigarettes and vapes through Woodlands Checkpoint in separate motorcycle incidents, with penalties for such offences reaching up to nine years imprisonment.
Singapore authorities arrested a 26-year-old Malaysian driver after discovering more than 600 cartons of untaxed cigarettes concealed beneath his vehicle's floorboard at the border.
The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission has arrested three individuals in Sabah connected to an illegal frozen chicken import operation sourcing product from China, highlighting ongoing border enforcement challenges.
The MACC has successfully disrupted a major syndicate operating an illegal frozen chicken import operation from China into Sabah, marking a significant win against organised smuggling networks undermining legitimate poultry traders.
A planned collaboration between Malaysia's anti-corruption and customs agencies to tackle smuggling operations continues to be refined through inter-agency consultations, with officials indicating the initiative remains in early developmental phases.
Four people have been arrested and contraband goods valued at RM64,811.80 confiscated during three coordinated raids in Perak's Pengkalan Hulu and Gerik districts as part of Ops Kontraban Mega.
Malaysia's General Operations Force has dismantled a significant electronic waste smuggling network in Ipoh, confiscating RM9.39 million worth of contraband materials and arresting 14 people in a series of targeted operations.
Three individuals have been arrested in Sabah following an investigation into the smuggling of subsidised cooking oil, highlighting ongoing enforcement challenges in the region.
Authorities in Tumpat arrested a 55-year-old man after recovering 52 durian saplings believed smuggled from Thailand, highlighting ongoing cross-border agricultural smuggling issues.
Philippine authorities arrested a police officer and businessman after intercepting a van carrying nearly P1.9 million worth of smuggled cigarettes at a checkpoint in Zamboanga del Norte on Friday night.
Authorities arrested a Thai national caught smuggling petai and pomelos valued at approximately RM8,000 through an illegal jetty in Rantau Panjang, Kelantan, highlighting ongoing cross-border contraband challenges.
Police have arrested a 31-year-old driver in Pasir Mas after discovering 30 bromeliad plants valued at RM6,000 concealed in his vehicle. The exotic plants are suspected to have been smuggled from Thailand.
Authorities have arrested two individuals following a failed attempt to smuggle prohibited items into Sungai Udang Prison in Melaka using a drone, marking another instance of creative methods employed to breach prison security.
The FBI has returned several illegally smuggled Indonesian cultural artefacts to Jakarta, with Indonesia's government expressing commitment to deepening collaboration on cultural restitution efforts.
A keropok seller in Melaka has faced magistrate court charges for allegedly using a drone to smuggle tobacco into Sungai Udang Prison, in an unusual case highlighting evolving contraband tactics.
Authorities apprehended a 36-year-old suspect at Rantau Panjang who allegedly made multiple petrol purchases destined for smuggling across the Thailand border.
Malaysia's General Operations Force has cracked down on an illegal durian trafficking ring, intercepting 350 kilograms of the fruit valued at over RM50,000 and arresting a 20-year-old driver at an unlicensed jetty in Kelantan.
Authorities in Melaka have arrested two people for attempting to smuggle tobacco into Sungai Udang Prison via drone. The operation was uncovered during a raid on a residential property in the Sungai Udang area.
Authorities have arrested two men and confiscated 100 boxes of suspected illegal liquor during an interstate enforcement operation. The suspects were caught mid-transfer between a lorry and car.
Kelantan police arrested a 29-year-old man following a pursuit in Kampung Pulau Panjang, discovering 400,000 sticks of smuggled cigarettes valued at RM813,000 in his vehicle.
Malaysian police seized RM6.19 million in frozen pork products lacking proper import permits during a Miri warehouse raid, arresting a 26-year-old suspect. The operation reflects intensified enforcement against illegal food imports.