KUALA LUMPUR: Some RM610.1mil worth of items were seized, while 7,159 individuals were detained last year in various operations conducted by the Bukit Aman Internal Security and Public Order Department (KDNKA).

       Bukit Aman KDNKA director Comm Datuk Hazani Ghazali (pic) said the arrests and seizures consisted of 8,234 cases encompassing various offences, including smuggling of contraband and migrants, as well as wildlife.

       "Smuggling of undocumented immigrants and contraband differ in various parts of the country.

       "In northern Peninsular Malaysia, often smuggled items are ketum leaves, alcoholic beverages, cough medicine and drugs as well as trespassing of undocumented immigrants.

       "For east Peninsular, common smuggled items are rice, cooking oil, petrol, animals and counterfeit goods," he said in a statement on Friday (Jan 28).

       In central and southern Peninsular, cigarettes, wildlife, alcoholic beverages and trepassing of undocumented immigrants were common, he added.

       "For Sabah and Sarawak, smuggling is conducted through secret passages for various items, including timber, alcoholic beverages, cigarettes and household items," he said.

       Comm Hazani said the KDNKA, through its various divisions, was actively involved in rendering aid to victims during the recent floods, especially in Selangor and Johor.

       "A flood tactical base consisting of 1,150 officers and personnel was also set up to coordinate aid and logistical assets for flood relief operations.

       "Various departmental forces, including marine police, General Operations Force, Air Unit, and the Federal Reserve Unit, were on the ground since the first day of the floods," he said.

       The department is always ready and committed to ensuring safety and public order, Comm Hazani said.

       "We hope for the cooperation of the people in safeguarding the country," he said.