Pahang police denied claims circulating on social media that a large-scale drug cartel operates in Genting Highlands, Bentong. Acting police chief Datuk Azry Akmar Ayob said no such cartel exists and promised swift action on any reported illegal activity regardless of location [1, 2, 3].
Azry Akmar told a press conference, "If a police report involving illegal activity is lodged, we will immediately investigate and take appropriate action, regardless of the location." He also stated, "I deny that there is a major drug cartel operating in Genting Highlands," responding directly to circulating rumors [2, 3].
The denial followed social media posts accusing authorities of ignoring police reports about the alleged cartel. One user claimed no enforcement responses had been made despite numerous reports being filed [1, 2].
Coinciding with the press event on August 17, SAC Ahmad Sukarno Mohd Zahar was officially appointed as the new chief of the Pahang Crime Prevention and Community Safety Department (JPJKK), replacing ACP Muhammed Rizal Kamarudin [1, 2, 3].
Separately, police are investigating a fatal accident on August 14 near Kampung Lebak involving a tanker carrying 32,000 litres of diesel and petrol and a passenger car. The collision caused the car to catch fire, killing Nur Fatima Abdullah, 39, and her son Muhamad Fattah Aisy Nuafal Saifulnizam, 12, confirmed by DNA tests [1, 2].
The 37-year-old tanker driver involved is remanded under Section 41(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987 for causing death by reckless or dangerous driving [1, 2].
Police reaffirmed their commitment to public safety during the recent leadership handover and amid ongoing investigations. Any new reports of criminal activity will be promptly investigated.
