Kedah police have taken down five human trafficking syndicates following the apprehension of 12 human trafficking agents during five separate operations across the state under Ops Pintas. Datuk Fisol Salleh, the chief of Kedah police, disclosed that out of the 12 agents arrested, two raids were conducted in Langkawi, while three took place in Kubang Pasu. Among the suspects, nine were locals while three were citizens of Myanmar.
"In addition to Ops Pintas, we have also detained 47 undocumented immigrants, all of whom are believed to be from Myanmar. These immigrants, consisting of both men and women aged between 15 and 50, were promised job opportunities in various sectors in Malaysia. They were charged fees ranging from RM5000 to RM7000," he stated during a press conference held at the state police headquarters. Fisol explained that these syndicates collaborated with counterparts in Myanmar to smuggle undocumented immigrants into Malaysia through land and sea routes.
"The immigrants were smuggled in via sea routes from Satun, Thailand, to landing sites along Tanjung Rhu and Taman Nilam, Ayer Itam in Langkawi. They were then housed in temporary facilities before being trafficked into the mainland. "On the other hand, the syndicate's modus operandi in Kubang Pasu involved crossing the country's border by traversing small trails in Chuping, Perlis, before being transported to other locations," he added.
The cases are currently being investigated under Section 26A of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrant Act (ATIPSOM) 2007, as well as Section 6(1)(c) of the Immigration Act 1959/63. Furthermore, Fisol mentioned that a meeting between the police and the National Security Council (NSC) will be held to address and report on issues concerning the influx of migrants into border areas of the country. In a separate case, Fisol reported that the police successfully foiled diesel smuggling activities in the Kubang Pasu border area during operations conducted from August 31 to September 8.
He revealed that during the operations, the police seized 7,950 liters of diesel worth over RM17,000 that were being smuggled into Thailand. Seven Thai men and two local men ranging from 21 to 50 years old were arrested in connection with the smuggling activities. "All the seized items have been handed over to the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry for further action under Section 21 of the Control of Supplies Act 1961," he concluded.
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