SIBU: The army has foiled an attempt to smuggle contraband cigarettes worth more than RM517,000 out of the country after intercepting a lorry in Serikin near the Sarawak–Indonesia border on Tuesday (January 20). Initial field assessment revealed that the vehicle was moving from Kampung Sebobok towards the international border. The army said security control in the Serikin and Bau sectors has been tightened recently to detect and disrupt both inbound and outbound cross-border smuggling activities. The public has been urged to continue providing information on suspicious activities along illegal border routes in the interest of national security. Mohd Sofi said the successful operation resulted from the integrity and vigilance of army personnel in Sabah and Sarawak, urging them to remain united and serve with dedication to safeguard the nation’s sovereignty.

Source: The Star January 21, 2026 14:16 UTC