SHAH ALAM, Sept 18 — Selangor is among five states in Malaysia being heavily targeted by migrant smuggling syndicates, said Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) director-general Datuk Mohd Rosli Abdullah, according to a Harian Metro report.
He explained that Selangor’s long coastlines, small islands, numerous river estuaries, vast mangrove swamps and close proximity to international maritime routes make Selangor, along with Perak, Melaka, Johor and Sabah, frequent targets.
He said in Selangor, high-risk areas include Sabak Bernam, Sungai Besar, Sekinchan, Kuala Selangor, Pulau Indah, Pulau Ketam and Pulau Carey, and areas around Port Klang.
“Selangor’s position facing Sumatra and separated by the Strait of Malacca makes it a primary (target) for migrant smuggling from neighbouring countries.
“Its extensive coastline, numerous fishing jetties and heavy maritime traffic allow syndicates to conceal their movements among local boats and fishing activities,” he added.
Rosli said that in Sabah, the threat of illegal immigrant landings is more pronounced due to its international borders.
“Areas frequently associated with the risk of illegal immigrant entry include the waters off Kudat, Sandakan, Semporna, Lahad Datu, Kunak and Tawau, as well as islands off Sabah’s east coast such as Pulau Bum-Bum, Pulau Sebatik and Pulau Omadal, and other small islands near the maritime border.
“These areas are often exploited by syndicates because they have numerous open sea routes, water villages and landing points that are difficult to monitor (around the clock).”
He added that in Perak, areas frequently targeted include Pulau Pangkor, waters around Bagan Datuk, Kuala Sepetang, Pantai Remis, Sungai Burong, and several coastal areas in Manjung.
“Pulau Pangkor, with its many small landing points, private jetties, and busy sea lanes, is at risk of being exploited as a transit or landing site for illegal immigrants.
“River estuaries and mangrove areas along the Perak coast can be used to conceal smuggling boats for illegal immigrants to be transferred to their next destinations.”
He said landing sites for illegal immigrants in Malaysian waters are generally concentrated in areas with geographical features conducive to smuggling activities, but that these hotspots shift depending on the level of enforcement in any one area.
To address the issue, Rosli said MMEA has intensified sea and air patrols, special operations, intelligence gathering, and the use of maritime surveillance systems to thwart attempts by illegal immigrants to enter the country.
