Syndicate suspected behind bid to traffic 279 foreigners via KLIA

New Straits Times

8 hours ago

KUALA LUMPUR: A syndicate is believed to be behind an attempt to traffic 279 foreigners into Malaysia via Kuala Lumpur International Airport last week.
The Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency (MBCA), which foiled the attempt by issuing a record number of Not-To-Land (NTL) orders, believes the case may be just the tip of the iceberg.
The agency's acting director-general Datuk Sazali Mohamad said the foreigners issued NTLs on June 2 displayed travel patterns consistent with past illegal entries linked to trafficking syndicates.
"We found repeated red flags, identical travel itineraries, scripted responses and questionable documentation," he told the New Straits Times.
"This strongly suggests a coordinated effort, possibly involving trafficking networks or illegal syndicates."
On Tuesday, MBCA said it recorded its highest number of NTLs in a single day, denying entry to 240 Bangladeshis, 33 Pakistanis and six Indian citizens who failed to meet immigration requirements.
The foreigners, detected by the KLIA Border Control Monitoring Team, were immediately deported.
That team was established in 2023 to improve early screening and identify high-risk travellers.
Previously, Transport Minister Anthony Loke said the cabinet had discussed how immigration and airports handle NTL cases.
He said NTLs were issued for various reasons, including being blacklisted or failing to show proof of visit purpose — such as a visa, return flight ticket or hotel accommodation — as required under immigration regulations.
"The NTL decision was made in the interest of safeguarding Malaysia's borders and the integrity of its immigration system," said Sazali.
He added that Sections 8 and 28 of the Immigration Act empowered authorities to refuse entry to individuals deemed unqualified or suspicious.
Sazali said apart from suspected syndicate links, NTLs were also issued to travellers who fail to meet key immigration requirements, such as a clear travel purpose, sufficient funds, valid documentation and verifiable accommodation.
He said these anomalies were consistent with those used by organised groups, though investigations are ongoing.
MORE NTL s DURING PEAK PERIODS, HOLIDAYS
Sazali said between June 2023 and May last year, 25,568 NTL cases were recorded nationwide, with the highest numbers logged during public holidays and school breaks.
"The busiest months were July 2023 (2,358 cases) and August 2023 (2,224 cases)," he said.
Sazali said the spike was no coincidence.
"Peak travel seasons often provide cover for irregular movements. We are now using enhanced profiling and real-time data to detect these threats at the source," he said.
He said MBCA primarily relied on the Immigration Department's MyIMMs system, which automatically flags travellers on watch lists, blacklists or with known criminal records, and generates real-time alerts for immediate action.
"This allows officers to make immediate, informed decisions on whether to hold or deny entry for further checks.
"The system is particularly valuable during peak travel periods when quick and accurate assessments are essential."
He added that MBCA was working with foreign embassies and airlines to manage NTLs.
"We engage embassies to verify travellers' identities and provide consular support.
"We also work with airlines to arrange return flights, provide meals, and manage temporary care for individuals denied entry.
"Such coordination helps prevent confusion and ensures airport operations remain orderly, even during high-traffic periods."