KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 4 — Three boat operators were among 38 Indonesian nationals detained by the General Operations Force (GOF) in an operation to curb illegal immigrant smuggling along the coastal area of Kampung Sungai Gatal, near Sabak Bernam, on Monday (November 2).
GOF Central Brigade acting commander ACP Awang Arfian Awang Bujang said all of them were detained in a raid under Op Taring Delta at 4.30am while they were believed to be attempting to leave Malaysia via an illegal sea route.
The other 35 individuals arrested comprised 24 adult men and 11 adult women.
“The operations team also seized a fishing boat, a Mitsubishi engine, and three mobile phones of various brands, which are believed to have been used as communication devices in the smuggling operation.
“The total value of the seizures is estimated at RM406,800,” he said during a media conference today.
Awang added that the case is being investigated under the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Act 2007 (ATIPSOM) and the Immigration Act 1959/63.
The GOF Central Brigade recorded 171 cases involving illegal immigrant smuggling activities and immigration offences from January 1 to November 4 this year.
He said enforcement operations during the period led to the arrest of 898 individuals in the brigade's area of responsibility, which covers Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, Negeri Sembilan, Melaka, and Johor.
“Of the total, 33 cases were investigated under ATIPSOM, involving the arrest of 76 boat operators, while another 138 cases were recorded under the Immigration Act 1959/63, with 822 arrests,” Awang said.
The GOF will continue to intensify operations and intelligence gathering to combat illegal immigrant smuggling and other illegal cross-border activities.
“Members of the public with information on such activities are urged to channel it to the police for further action,” he said.
