Post by : Meena Ariff

On August 6, two Chinese nationals in their twenties were arrested after being caught flying a drone in a restricted area belonging to the security forces. The incident happened near a football field close to the secured building.

The Wangsa Maju district police chief, ACP Mohammad Lazim Ismail, said the men were first spotted by security personnel who noticed their drone activity. The security team quickly detained them and handed them over to the Criminal Investigation Division at the Wangsa Maju District Police Headquarters.

Seizure of Equipment

Police seized several items from the suspects, including drones and memory cards. Investigators are now checking these items to see what exactly was recorded and whether any sensitive information was captured.

The two men had valid travel documents, meaning they were in the country legally. However, they told police that they were only recording the area because their employers had instructed them to do so. They claimed they did not know the purpose or reason behind the recording.

Charges Filed in Court

The case moved quickly to court. On August 13, both men were brought before the Kuala Lumpur Sessions Court. They were charged under Sections 3(a) and 4 of the Official Secrets Act. These sections cover spying activities and taking pictures or recordings inside restricted areas without permission.

The charges were read to them in Mandarin, and both of the accused pleaded not guilty. The judge handling the case, Izralizam Sanusi, decided not to allow bail for either man. This means they will remain in custody while the legal process continues.

The court has set September 11 as the date for appointing their lawyers and for the submission of documents related to the case. Until then, both suspects will remain behind bars.

The Official Secrets Act and Its Importance

The Official Secrets Act is a law that protects sensitive government information, military areas, and other locations that could be targeted for spying. Under this law, it is illegal to take pictures, record videos, or even enter certain areas without official approval.

Violating this law is taken very seriously, as it could put the safety and security of the country at risk. People found guilty under these sections can face long prison sentences and heavy fines.

Flying drones near restricted areas has been a growing concern for authorities. Drones can capture detailed images and videos from a distance, and in the wrong hands, this information could be used for harmful purposes. That is why security forces often monitor and control drone activity near sensitive places.

Details of the Incident

According to the police, the two men were flying their drone in an area where photography and video recording are strictly forbidden. The location is near a building used by the security forces, and any recording there could reveal important details about security operations.

The men were standing on a football field close to the restricted zone when they were spotted. Security personnel acted immediately, approaching them and taking control of the situation. The drone and memory cards were confiscated on the spot.

During questioning, the suspects said they were just following their employer’s orders. However, they could not explain why the employer wanted recordings of such a sensitive location. This has raised more questions and led investigators to look into possible motives.

Legal Process and Next Steps

The trial process will begin after the next court date in September. By then, lawyers will be appointed for both accused, and more evidence will be presented. Investigators will also analyze the footage from the drone to determine exactly what was recorded.

If found guilty, the two men could face several years in prison. The severity of the punishment will depend on the court’s findings and whether there is evidence of intentional spying.

The case has also drawn attention to the need for stronger enforcement of drone regulations. Many countries now require drone operators to get licenses and follow strict rules about where drones can be flown.

Community Concerns

People living in the area have expressed concern about the incident. Some worry that drones could be used to collect information about military or police activities. Others fear that more such cases could happen if drone use is not controlled.

Authorities have reminded the public that anyone caught entering restricted areas or using drones near sensitive sites without permission will face strict action. They have also urged people to report suspicious drone activity immediately.

This case serves as a warning to anyone considering using drones near sensitive locations. Even if someone claims they are only following instructions, they can still face serious legal consequences if they break the law.

For now, the two Chinese nationals remain in custody, waiting for their day in court. As the investigation continues, authorities will be looking for answers about why the recordings were made and who ordered them.

The incident highlights the balance between technology use and national security — and how crossing that line can lead to serious trouble.