KUALA LUMPUR, May 8 (Bernama) -- The Immigration Department of Malaysia (JIM) foiled an attempt to smuggle undocumented migrants through a "sea route" with the arrest of 20 Indonesian nationals near the coast of Telok Senangin, Lumut, Perak, early yesterday morning.
In a statement, JIM informed that the group of migrants, aged between 19 and 59, comprised nine men and 11 women who were believed to have just arrived from Tanjung Balai, Indonesia, before being detected while attempting to land at the beach area.
According to the department, a team from the Intelligence and Special Operations Division of the Putrajaya Immigration Headquarters, in collaboration with the Perak State Immigration Department, was deployed to the location following public information and three weeks of intelligence gathering along the coast from Kuala Selangor, Selangor, to Lumut.
The syndicate's modus operandi involved bringing in undocumented migrants through illegal sea routes managed by agents believed to be based in Tanjung Balai, Indonesia.
The syndicate utilised fishing vessels as a means of transport to avoid detection by the authorities.
According to the statement, investigations revealed that migrants who successfully landed would be transported via land routes to predetermined destinations. Each individual was charged RM1,500 to enter the country.
Initial checks found that some of the detained foreigners are believed to be "Prohibited Immigrants," individuals recorded on the department's blacklist or suspect list who are barred from entering the country.
All detainees were taken to the Immigration office for further action, and the case is being investigated under Section 36 and Section 6(1)(c) of the Immigration Act 1959/63.
The Immigration Department of Malaysia stated that it will continue to intensify operations and will not compromise with any parties involved in migrant smuggling activities to ensure that national sovereignty and security remain protected.
--BERNAMA
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