Illegal Immigrant Smuggling Syndicates Shifting Modus Operandi

KOTA BHARU,  Feb  14 (Bernama) -- Illegal immigrant smuggling syndicates operating along the Malaysia-Thai border in Kelantan have been detected to have shifted their tactics, now using the sea route and landing along the Kelantan River after security measures at the Golok River were tightened.

General Operations Force (PGA) Southeast Brigade Commander SAC Ahmad Radzi Hussain said the change was detected following intensified enforcement along the Golok River, which had previously been the main route for clandestine crossings.

“Tight security controls and continuous deployment at PGA posts have prevented the syndicates from breaching the border, prompting them to shift landing points to remote villages along the Kelantan River, away from monitoring by our forces.

“The syndicates no longer rely on the usual Sungai Golok route. They now use boats to transport illegal immigrants through tributaries of the Kelantan River, landing in less populated areas far from PGA posts," he said when contacted by reporters today.

Ahmad Radzi added that between Jan 1 and yesterday, the PGA arrested a total of 84 illegal immigrants, comprising 75 men and nine women, in several operations in the area.

Of those arrested, Myanmar nationals made up the largest group with 31 people (25 men and six women), followed by Bangladeshis (19 men), Thais (17: 15 men and two women), Nepalis (10: nine men and one woman), Indian nationals (four men), Indonesians (two men), and one Nigerian man.

“All those arrested are believed to have entered the country without valid travel documents, and investigations are ongoing under the Immigration Act 1959/63,” he said.

He added that the PGA will continue to strengthen land and maritime patrols and increase intelligence operations to prevent syndicates from exploiting new routes.

-- BERNAMA