Kuala Lumpur, 21st July 2026 - Cross-border smuggling syndicates are exploiting border residents by recruiting Malaysians to play key operational roles - ranging from transporters and lookouts to logistics facilitators - in a bid to reduce the risk of detection along Malaysia's northern border.
Meanwhile, Bukit Aman Internal Security and Public Order Department (General Operations Force) Deputy Director, DCP Dato’ Mohamad Suzrin Mohd Rodhi said, smuggling syndicates had also adopted layered operating structures involving “tekong darat”, runners, reconnaissance teams and informants to minimise the risk of arrest.
He said there has also been increasing evidence of border folk, with some individuals misusing their freedom of movement to act as “tekong darat” and runners.
“This includes individuals acting as spotters and informants who report every movement of security forces along the border,” he said.
For migrant smuggling activities, he said undocumented migrants were typically placed temporarily in transit houses, lodging facilities or concealed areas before being moved to designated destinations.
Read further on the New Straits Times article attached
