Kuala Perlis:The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) detained 28 individuals, including the skipper and crew of a fiberglass boat, suspected of involvement in migrant smuggling activities in the waters of Kurung Tengar near Kuala Perlis early this morning.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the arrest occurred at approximately 600 am when personnel from the Kuala Perlis Zone Maritime, using the Benteng 1207 Boat, conducted a patrol operation based on intelligence information. The unnumbered fiberglass boat was observed traveling at high speed before running aground in shallow waters approximately 0.7 nautical miles from the coast.

During the inspection, the skipper and other individuals attempted to escape by jumping into the mud to reach the shore but were apprehended with the help of personnel on land. The detained group consisted of one local citizen, two Thai nationals, four Myanmar nationals, and 21 Bangladeshi nationals, aged between 14 and 42 years.

Preliminary investigations suggest the boat was used to transport migrants into Malaysia through unauthorized routes. The masterminds behind the operation remain unidentified, but the arrest of the skipper and crew is expected to aid in uncovering the syndicate's network and modus operandi.

The seized fiberglass boat and its engine are estimated to be worth RM200,000. The case is under investigation under Section 5(1) of the Immigration Act 1959/63 and Section 26J of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Act 2007 (ATIPSOM 2007). The agency plans to increase patrols and monitoring in national waters to combat similar crimes.

The public, especially the maritime community, is encouraged to report suspicious activities to the Kuala Perlis Zone Maritime Operations Centre or via the 999 emergency hotline.