POLICE are working with Thai authorities following the arrest of a 46-year-old Malaysian man in Sadao, Songkhla, suspected of attempting to smuggle military-grade firearms and hundreds of rounds of ammunition.
Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Mohd Khalid Ismail confirmed that a team of Malaysian officers will be sent to Thailand to gather further information on the case.
"From the outcome of the investigation, we will be able to identify the suspect’s modus operandi and the criminal group’s organisational chart,” he said on Tuesday, after officiating the launch of the Police Diploma Programme (MQA) and the National Occupational Skills Standard (JPK) for the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM).
He added, “We will obtain the final details.”
Preliminary investigations suggest the suspect was acting alone. The IGP also stressed that Malaysia’s border security remains under control and is being closely monitored.
Thai media earlier reported that the Malaysian national was arrested by officers from the Sadao District Police Station during a routine roadblock. Upon inspection of a Malaysian-registered Kia vehicle, police discovered two M4 assault rifles, 300 rounds of 5.56mm calibre bullets, seven magazines, 100 rounds of .45mm calibre ammunition, and 50 rounds of 9mm bullets. All items were seized for further investigation.
In response, Kedah police have tightened border security at key entry points into Malaysia, particularly at Bukit Kayu Hitam and Durian Burung, to prevent the smuggling of weapons or other prohibited items.
“We are always on alert, and our border controls are consistently stringent,” said Kedah Police Chief Datuk Adzli Abu Shah.
According to sources, the roadblock was part of a broader crime prevention operation targeting drug trafficking and other security threats. The arrest took place at approximately 5:35 pm on Sunday.
Meanwhile, the Inspector-General also addressed a separate matter involving the death of PALAPES cadet officer Syamsul Haris Shamsudin, stating that police have not yet received the full post-mortem report from the hospital.
He urged the public to remain patient and avoid speculation.
“All the information currently circulating is mere rumour. Please wait for the actual report,” he told reporters.
The body of Syamsul Haris was exhumed last Friday and sent to the National Institute of Forensic Medicine (IPFN) in Kuala Lumpur for a second post-mortem. This followed a request from his mother, Ummu Haiman Bee Daulatgun, who also suggested that an inquest be conducted to determine the cause of death.
The police are expected to compile all findings from the investigation and provide further clarification once the report is complete. - Sept 2, 2025
