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Malaysian authorities have successfully dismantled a significant human trafficking ring that specialized in transporting Rohingya people. This major breakthrough was achieved through a special operation by the Immigration Department, known as “Ops Sikap.” The operation culminated in the arrest of six suspects aged between 24 and 35 in Kota Bharu, Kelantan.
The arrests were made on June 1 following a three-week investigation that involved both intelligence reports and tips from the public. According to Immigration Director-General Datuk Ruslan Jusoh, the operation began when officers noticed a car being driven suspiciously. The driver attempted to flee but was apprehended at the Kota Bharu Express Bus Terminal.
In the vehicle, officers found two suspected “transporters” and their “assistants,” along with two potential victims believed to be Rohingya. These victims were reportedly being transported to Kuala Lumpur. Further investigation led to a raid on a premise in Kota Bharu, resulting in the arrest of two additional individuals, bringing the total number of arrests to six.
Datuk Ruslan explained that the investigation uncovered a troubling pattern. The syndicate was smuggling migrants across the border, housing them temporarily, and then transporting them to Kuala Lumpur using express buses. Rohingya accomplices in the city facilitated this process. The traffickers used fake UNHCR cards to deceive authorities and charged high fees: RM500 for transport to Kuala Lumpur and RM100 for movement within Kota Bharu. It is estimated that this syndicate had been operating for at least a year.
Three of the suspects now face charges under Section 26A of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Act (ATIPSOM) 2007. The remaining three are being held under Section 6(3) of the Immigration Act at the Tanah Merah Immigration Depot in Kelantan.
The successful operation was a collaborative effort between the Special Tactical Team (Pastak) from Putrajaya and officers from the Kelantan Immigration Department. This operation highlights the importance of vigilance and cooperation in combating human trafficking and ensuring the safety and rights of vulnerable individuals like the Rohingya.
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