IPOH, Aug 5 (Bernama) -- The Northern Brigade of the General Operations Force (GOF) recorded 813 arrests involving various enforcement operations in Perak, Penang, Kedah, and Perlis as of Aug 4 this year, compared to 672 arrests during the same period last year.
Its commander, SAC Balveer Singh Mahindar Singh, said that in the same period the total number of cases also increased to 389 cases compared to 291 cases recorded during the same period last year, which is an increase of 98 cases or 33.68 per cent.
“This proves the effective strategic collaboration between officers and personnel of the Northern Brigade GOF, continuous intelligence, and information provided by the public in strengthening enforcement actions," he said at a press conference here today.
Commenting on the operational achievements, Balveer Singh said the Integrated Khazanah Operation, carried out in collaboration with the Department of Wildlife and National Parks (Perhilitan), the Forestry Department, the Department of Minerals and Geoscience, and the Land and Mines Office, recorded 38 cases this year compared to 17 cases during the same period last year.
“The operation also recorded 63 arrests compared to 27 arrests in the previous year, while the value of the seizures increased dramatically from RM2.27 million to RM56.86 million, which is an increase of about 2,404 per cent," he said.
For roadblock operations conducted in seven locations in northern Peninsular Malaysia, Balveer Singh said that 75 cases were recorded this year compared to 24 cases during the same period last year.
He said the operations also recorded 89 arrests, an increase from 30 arrests last year, or a 196 per cent increase.
Meanwhile, Balveer Singh said that for cases under the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Act 2007 (ATIPSOM), 11 cases were recorded this year compared to six cases during the same period last year.
He also said that the number of arrests under the Act increased from 12 to 14 people, while the value of the seizures also increased from RM308,000 to RM465,000 during the same period.
Therefore, Balveer Singh emphasised that the Northern Brigade GOF will continue to strengthen inter-agency cooperation, enhance intelligence gathering, and optimise information sharing with the public to combat various forms of crime in the northern region of the country.
-- BERNAMA