East Malaysia News: Arrests, Smuggling Bust, Aid, and Bridge Construction

East Malaysia News Roundup: Fishing Vessel Detained, Petrol Smuggling Thwarted, and Aid Distributed to Orang Asli Kuala Lumpur, June 3, 2025 – In a busy day for East Malaysian news, authorities apprehended a local fishing vessel operating without the required permits, approximately 1.5 nautical miles southeast of Kuantan. According to the Pahang Maritime Enforcement Agency director, First Maritime Commander Mazlan Mat Rejab, "The vessel was in a suspicious state while at anchor." The vessel was found to be operated by one tekong and four crew members, all Myanmar nationals aged 21 to 35, and lacked the necessary permits from the Malaysian Fisheries Department. Authorities also seized fishing equipment and approximately 950 kilograms of seafood. Separately, a petrol smuggling attempt was foiled in Pengkalan Kubor. 300 liters of petrol were seized from a modified vehicle during a raid by the PGAN Eighth Brigade, Southeast Brigade, in collaboration with KPDN Kelantan. The raid was a result of intelligence gathered by Op Tari, targeting smuggling activity in border areas. "The raid was the result of intelligence from Op Tari," stated a Brigade official. In more positive news, 10 tons of rice were distributed to 2,000 Orang Asli families in the Gua Musang area. This aid was in response to the prolonged heatwave, affecting their ability to cultivate crops. ADUN Nenggiri, Mohd Azmawi Fikri Abdul Ghani, commented, "This rice aid will ease the burden on Orang Asli communities." The distribution of aid was shown in the video, highlighting the community's gratitude. Finally, the planned construction of a new bridge in Pos Balar was announced. The new bridge will replace the old structure, damaged during floods three months prior. The director of the JAKOA, Datuk Sapiah Mohd Nor, stated that construction will begin soon. "The new bridge will replace the old structure damaged in the floods three months ago," she commented. These events underscore the diverse challenges and community resilience in East Malaysia.