KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia's top border control official has cautioned against travel offers that come with requests or conditions to carry items without knowing their contents.
Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency (MCBA) director-general Datuk Seri Mohd Shuhaily Mohd Zain said those who encounter such situations should immediately alert the authorities.
"You must be suspicious of anything given to you by strangers because you could end up being detained overseas for smuggling prohibited substances, including drugs," he said when contacted.
His comments follow reports that five Malaysians were arrested in Tokyo, Japan, for attempting to smuggle 5kg of cocaine.
"Be wary of travel offers funded or sponsored by individuals or parties through social media platforms, particularly when they make last-minute requests for you to carry, wear or use items without knowing their contents.
"If you encounter such a situation, please report it immediately to the authorities if you have doubts about the goods or parcels you have been asked to carry."
Yesterday, Japanese broadcaster NHK reported that the five Malaysians were arrested for attempting to smuggle cocaine worth US$757,300 (about RM3.2 million), concealed inside their shoes.
Four of the five suspects reportedly admitted to the allegations, while one denied them.
One suspect told authorities that he had become acquainted with a person through a social media app who later asked him to transport drugs overseas.
All five had flown to Japan from Kuala Lumpur International Airport.
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