Kuala lumpur: A Myanmar couple claimed they paid about RM6,000 to a skipper in Thailand to smuggle their family into Malaysia by sea route. The 37-year-old woman disclosed that the payment facilitated the journey for her, her husband, and their two children from Myanmar, eventually bringing them into Malaysia via the waters of Langkawi on an illegal boat.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the woman explained that her family paid the sum to a Thai national who arranged their entry. She mentioned that her husband and their 14-year-old son entered Malaysia first, while she followed later with their seven-year-old daughter. The family, having been in Malaysia for approximately 18 months, is now seeking refugee status from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). Both she and her husband are currently employed at a furniture factory in Kajang, renting a room for RM500 monthly.

In a related incident, another 24-year-old Myanmar woman admitted to paying RM3,000 to a local man who acted as an agent for her illegal entry into Malaysia via the land route. She was introduced to the local agent by a friend and managed to enter the country through Sungai Golok, Kelantan, about five months ago. She now works in a factory in the area.

The details emerged during 'Op Sasar,' a joint operation by the Immigration Department of Malaysia and the National Registration Department, conducted at Suteramas Apartment. During the operation, which took place at 10:30 pm, several foreigners attempted to flee upon noticing enforcement personnel. Some hid inside residential units, and others jumped from the second floor in an attempt to escape. A total of 330 individuals were inspected, and 248 foreigners were detained for further investigation under the Immigration Act 1959/63.