Kuala lumpur: The Marine Police (PPM) Region Two successfully intercepted an attempt to smuggle 10 undocumented migrants, including two skippers, into Malaysia in the waters off Tanjung Pelepas early this morning. Johor police chief Datuk Ab Rahaman Arsad reported that the incident unfolded around 3 am when patrol boat PC 4, engaged in Ops Taring Gelora, identified a suspicious vessel approximately three nautical miles from shore.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the patrol team tried to approach the suspicious boat for inspection, but it attempted to escape, leading to a pursuit. During the chase, the suspects’ boat collided with patrol boat PC 4 and capsized, resulting in all 10 passengers falling into the sea. PPM personnel rescued the passengers and transported them to the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency jetty in Tanjung Kupang before they were sent to Sultanah Aminah Hospital in Johor Bahru for medical evaluation.
Initial investigations revealed that the group consisted of nine Indonesians and one Rohingya national, aged between 21 and 48, all lacking valid travel documents. Two individuals among them are believed to be the ‘land and sea skippers.’ The police confiscated a 21-foot fiberglass boat and a 40-horsepower Suzuki outboard engine, with the combined value of the seized items estimated at RM25,500.
Authorities are investigating the case under Section 26A of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Act 2007 (Act 670) related to migrant smuggling, and Section 6(1)(c) of the Immigration Act 1959/63 for not having valid travel documents. Additional probes are underway 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 execution of their duties.
Johor police chief Ab Rahaman emphasized the police’s unwavering commitment to combating migrant smuggling and other criminal activities. He urged the public to report any suspicious activities to the Johor Police Hotline at 019-2792095 or the Operations Room at 07-2212999 to assist in maintaining public safety and order.