Marine Police Foil Bid To Smuggle 10 Migrants In Johor Waters

JOHOR BAHRU, Oct 8 (Bernama) -- The Marine Police (PPM) Region Two foiled an attempt to smuggle 10 undocumented migrants, including two skippers, into the country in the waters off Tanjung Pelepas early this morning.

Johor police chief Datuk Ab Rahaman Arsad said the incident occurred at about 3 am when patrol boat PC 4, conducting Ops Taring Gelora, spotted a suspicious boat about three nautical miles from shore.

“The team attempted to approach the boat for inspection, but it tried to flee, leading to a chase. During the incident, the suspects' boat rammed into patrol boat PC 4 and capsized, causing all 10 passengers to fall into the sea,” he said in a statement.

He said all passengers were rescued by PPM personnel and brought to the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency jetty in Tanjung Kupang before being sent to Sultanah Aminah Hospital in Johor Bahru for treatment.

“Initial investigations found that the suspects, comprising nine Indonesians and one Rohingya national, aged between 21 and 48, did not possess valid travel documents. Two of them are suspected to be the 'land and sea skippers',” he said.

Ab Rahaman said police also seized a 21-foot fibreglass boat and a 40-horsepower Suzuki outboard engine, with the total value of the confiscated items estimated at RM25,500.

The case is being investigated under Section 26A of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Act 2007 (Act 670) for migrant smuggling, and Section 6(1)(c) of the Immigration Act 1959/63 for not having valid travel documents.

It is also being probed under Section 338 of the Penal Code for causing grievous hurt through a negligent act, and Section 186 of the Penal Code for obstructing a public servant in the discharge of duties.

“Johor police remain committed and will not compromise with any party involved in migrant smuggling or other criminal activities.

“The public is urged to channel information on suspicious activities to the Johor Police Hotline at 019-2792095 or the Operations Room at 07-2212999 to help ensure public safety and order,” he added.

-- BERNAMA