‘Paid Syndicate RM1,800 to Enter Malaysia’
SABAK BERNAM: A migrant smuggling syndicate charging up to RM1,800 per person to enter Malaysia was uncovered during a special operation here on Sunday.
The operation, codenamed Op Pintas, was carried out by the Secret Societies, Gambling and Vice Division (D7) of the Selangor Police Contingent Headquarters’ Criminal Investigation Department (CID), in collaboration with the D6 Branch, the Air Operations Force (PGU) Drone Unit and the Marine Police Force.
The Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) Criminal Investigation Department (CID) said in a statement that raids at three separate locations resulted in the arrest of 36 individuals, comprising 25 Indonesian nationals, including two children, as well as 12 individuals believed to have acted as transporters.
“Preliminary investigations revealed that the syndicate is believed to have been involved in smuggling migrants into and out of Malaysia through unauthorised routes, charging between RM1,500 and RM1,800 per person.
“The transporters charged fares starting from RM500 for journeys to destinations in the Klang Valley, depending on the distance travelled,” the department said in a post on its official Facebook page on Monday.
It added that police also seized 11 vehicles, 13 mobile phones and RM4,930 in cash believed to be linked to the activities.
The department said PDRM would continue its investigations to identify the syndicate’s network, including those responsible for operating and coordinating the migrant smuggling activities.
“PDRM reaffirms its commitment to intensifying enforcement efforts and combating migrant smuggling activities through unauthorised routes to ensure that the security and sovereignty of the country’s borders remain protected,” it said.
The case is being investigated under Sections 26A and 26J of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Act 2007 (ATIPSOM), as well as Section 6(1)(c) of the Immigration Act 1959/63.
Sinar Harian