Perak: The Northern Brigade of the General Operations Force (GOF) recorded 813 arrests involving various enforcement operations in Perak, Penang, Kedah, and Perlis as of August 4 this year, compared to 672 arrests during the same period last year.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, its commander, SAC Balveer Singh Mahindar Singh, noted that the total number of cases also rose to 389, marking an increase of 98 cases or 33.68 percent from the same period last year. He credited this improvement to effective strategic collaboration between officers, continuous intelligence, and public-provided information, which has strengthened enforcement actions.

Commenting further on operational achievements, Balveer Singh highlighted the success of the Integrated Khazanah Operation. This initiative, conducted 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 last year. The operation also saw an increase in arrests, from 27 to 63, with the value of seizures rising dramatically from RM2.27 million to RM56.86 million, a staggering increase of about 2,404 percent.

In roadblock operations conducted in seven locations across northern Peninsular Malaysia, 75 cases were recorded this year compared to 24 last year. These operations also resulted in 89 arrests, up from 30 the previous year, reflecting a 196 percent increase.

Meanwhile, under the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Act 2007 (ATIPSOM), 11 cases were recorded this year, up from six last year. The number of arrests under this Act rose from 12 to 14, and the value of seizures increased from RM308,000 to RM465,000 during the same period.

Balveer Singh emphasised the commitment of the Northern Brigade GOF to continue strengthening inter-agency cooperation, enhancing intelligence gathering, and optimising information sharing with the public to combat various forms of crime in the northern region of the country.