Migrant Smuggling Syndicate Busted in Malaysia
15 Indonesian Nationals Arrested in Operation Pintas Som
A syndicate involved in smuggling Indonesian nationals into Malaysia has been busted in a joint operation conducted by the Bukit Aman criminal investigation department (CID) anti-trafficking in persons and anti-smuggling of migrants division. The operation, codenamed “Pintas Som”, was conducted in Sungai Buloh, Selangor, late last night and resulted in the arrest of 15 individuals, including eight men and seven women, aged between 22 and 53.
How the Syndicate Operated
According to Soffian Santong, the principal assistant director of the anti-trafficking in persons and anti-smuggling of migrants division, the syndicate operated in Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, and Melaka. Each migrant was charged between RM1,800 and RM2,000 per trip. The agents were responsible for arranging accommodation and meals for the migrants who were awaiting smuggling in or out of Malaysia.
Raid on Homestay Units and Budget Hotel
The operation, which began at 12.30am, focused on illegal exits and entries via unauthorised maritime routes in Melaka. Two homestay units in Sungai Buloh, Selangor, were raided first, which were used as accommodation for agents and transporters. The second raid was conducted at a budget hotel in Saujana Utama, Sungai Buloh, which served as a transit point.
Investigation Underway
The case is being investigated under Section 26A of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Act 2007 and Sections 6(1) and 15(1)(c) of the Immigration Act 1959/63.
FAQs
* What is the purpose of the operation?
The operation, codenamed “Pintas Som”, aimed to crack down on migrant smuggling syndicates operating in Malaysia.
* How many individuals were arrested?
15 Indonesian nationals were arrested, including eight men and seven women, aged between 22 and 53.
* Where did the syndicate operate?
The syndicate operated in Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, and Melaka, with each migrant charged between RM1,800 and RM2,000 per trip.
* What is the current status of the investigation?
The case is being investigated under Section 26A of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Act 2007 and Sections 6(1) and 15(1)(c) of the Immigration Act 1959/63.