The Indonesian Navy on Wednesday (Nov 9) seized a
truckload of used camouflage uniforms with SAF, or Singapore Armed
Forces, tags on them.
The SAF attire included the green digital or pixelated
camouflage uniforms first issued in 2008, as well as an older
version with overlapping splotches of black, brown and green, both
commonly referred to by servicemen as the No. 4 dress.
Tanjung Pinang Naval Base commander, First Admiral S
Irawan said a quick response team from Indonesia's Western fleet
had spotted a vessel on Wednesday, unloading goods near Pulau
Galang, an island located 40km southeast of Batam.
He told The Straits Times on Thursday that there were a
total of 19 truckloads of smuggled goods ranging from used
electronic equipment, such as television sets and washing machines.
One among the 19 trucks carried only military attire, including
combat boots, that he believed were SAF-issued items.
The admiral said the Navy has yet to determine the
alleged owner of the goods but the boat captain and truck drivers
are now being held for questioning in Tanjung Pinang.
"The question now is why that much military attire is
being sent to Batam...we will investigate," said the admiral.
The unauthorised sale of SAF uniforms or equipment is
an offence under military law in Singapore. Those guilty of
misappropriation or theft of SAF property can be jailed for up to
three years.
ST