Five Indonesians charged With Smuggling Migrants In Boat Capsize That Killed 16

MANJUNG, June 8 (Bernama) -- Five Indonesian men were charged at the Sessions Court here today with smuggling 18 Indonesian migrants in a boat capsize off Pulau Pangkor in May that claimed 16 lives.

The accused are Nanda, 42, who is alleged to be the skipper; M Kahfi Kamil, 21, the skipper’s assistant; Suyanto, 25, boat engine operator; as well as M Yunus, 43, and Riadi Slamat, 43, both cooks.

All five nodded in understanding after the charges were read out in Indonesian before Judge Azizah Ahmad. However, no plea was recorded as the case falls under the jurisdiction of the High Court.

They are accused of jointly smuggling 18 Indonesian migrants, aged between 21 and 48 years, in waters near Pulau Pangkor at approximately 6 am on May 11.

The charges were filed under Section 26A of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Act 2007, which carries a maximum prison term of 20 years, and may also be subject to a fine or both upon conviction.

Deputy public prosecutor Nor Syamila Jalaluddin did not offer bail as the case falls under the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 (SOSMA), which does not allow bail. All the accused were unrepresented. 

She also informed the court that the 18 migrants who were smuggled into the country had been charged at the Manjung Magistrates' Court on May 22, with the next mention scheduled for June 15 pending the availability of an interpreter.

The court then set June 24 for the next case mention. 

On May 11, a boat carrying 39 Indonesian migrants capsized approximately 8.2 nautical miles from Pulau Pangkor, claiming 16 lives. The five accused and 18 passengers survived.

 -- BERNAMA