Immigration cripples human smuggling syndicate in Kelantan, six men arrested
PASIR MAS: The Immigration Department has dismantled a human smuggling syndicate with the arrest of six local men suspected of transporting 35 undocumented migrants in an operation conducted here early today.
Kelantan Immigration director Mohamed Yusoff Khan Mohd Hassan said the group of migrants comprised 18 men, 10 women, and seven children, all from Myanmar.
He said the joint operation, which began at 5.30am, was led by the department's Border Intelligence Unit in collaboration with the Special Tactical Team from the Intelligence and Special Operations Division at the Immigration headquarters in Putrajaya.
The raid at Kampung Kubang Sepat followed two weeks of intelligence gathering.
"The 35 foreigners, aged between three and 53, are believed to have entered the country illegally.
"The six local men, suspected of acting as transporters and caretakers of a transit house, were also arrested during the operation," he said in a statement.
Five vehicles - a four-wheel drive, an SUV, a sedan, and two motorcycles - believed to have been used to transport the migrants were seized. The vehicles are estimated to be worth RM300,000.
"Officers also confiscated RM820 in cash and 10,000 Thai baht during the raid," he added.
The migrants were detained under the Immigration Act 1959/63 and the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants (Atipsom) Act 2007.
The six local men are being investigated under the same legislation for their alleged involvement in the smuggling network.
Mohamed Yusoff said the successful operation demonstrated the department's ongoing commitment to combating human trafficking and safeguarding national security, particularly along border areas.
He said enforcement and intelligence operations would be intensified to dismantle syndicates exploiting Malaysia's border routes.
"The Kelantan Immigration Department urges the public to provide any information regarding illegal immigrants or foreigners involved in unlawful activities.
"Stern action, without compromise, will be taken against anyone aiding, abetting, or harbouring undocumented migrants," he said.
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