Latest news with #Anti-TraffickinginPersonsandAnti-SmugglingofMigrantsAct
The Star
7 days ago
- The Star
GOF Central Brigade carried out 288 raids, seized RM1.1bil in items from Jan 1 to Aug 4, says commander
KUALA LUMPUR: A total of 288 raids were carried out by the General Operations Force (GOF) Central Brigade between Jan 1 and Aug 4, 2025, resulting in the arrest of 1,005 individuals and about RM1.1bil in items seized. GOF Central Brigade commander Senior Asst Comm Hakemal Hawari said the operations spanned several states under the Central Brigade's jurisdiction including Selangor, Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya, Negri Sembilan, Melaka, and Johor. "Among the items seized were various types of contraband and illegal goods. "It shows our unwavering commitment to curbing criminal activities that threaten national security and public wellbeing," he said in a statement. He said the achievement reflects ongoing efforts by enforcement agencies to combat crime and protect the nation's borders. "We also urge the public to play a proactive role by sharing information and acting as the 'eyes and ears' of security forces to ensure the country's borders remain secure from illegal intrusions and illicit activities," he added. On a related matter, SAC Hakemal said the Central Brigade has also intensified its strategic operations to combat smuggling-related crimes along Malaysia's western maritime borders, particularly in the coastal areas of Selangor and western Johor. "Our ongoing operations are focused on deterring cross-border criminal activities, especially human trafficking and the smuggling of migrants under the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Act (ATIPSOM). "Between Jan 1 and Aug 4, we conducted 10 operations in various parts of Selangor. "It led to the arrest of 15 'tekong darat' (land-based human trafficking coordinators), comprising eight Malaysians and seven Indonesians — as well as the detention of 224 undocumented migrants," he said. Further enforcement actions during two separate raids on June 21 and July 22 also led to significant drug seizures, he added. "We seized 10.35kg of syabu, 3.6kg of ecstasy pills, and several vehicles believed to be linked to trafficking activities," SAC Hakemal said, adding that the GOF will work closely with other enforcement agencies to tighten border security.
New Straits Times
03-07-2025
- New Straits Times
Fitness trainer charged over staff abuse, wildlife law
SHAH ALAM: A 37-year-old fitness instructor here has been charged in court following allegations of physical abuse against his workers and for violating the wildlife protection law. The accused, who operates a popular gym, was arrested after four of his workers lodged reports on June 16, 17 and 18, individually detailing the physical and verbal abuses they allegedly suffered in their workplace. Following the reports, police arrested the suspect and raided his home in Petaling Jaya, where they found a Sri Lankan maid with no documents, who is also believed to be a victim of abuse. Police found several species of protected animals being kept as pets in his house. The suspect was remanded for three days before Petaling Jaya police obtained another six days of remand against the suspect. Shah Alam police chief Assistant Commissioner Mohd Iqbal Ibrahim confirmed that the man was charged with four counts of assault, to which he pleaded not guilty. He was released on bail. He said all four reports from the suspect's workers were being investigated for voluntarily causing hurt with a weapon, which carries a prison sentence of up to 10 years or a fine, or whipping, or both upon conviction. "All four assault cases are under the jurisdiction of Shah Alam police. Another abuse case involving the suspect, under Section 13 of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Act (Atipsom) 2007, is being investigated by Petaling Jaya police. The case involves allegations of severe mistreatment of a domestic worker by the suspect." Iqbal said the Wildlife and National Parks Department (Perhilitan) was roped in to investigate the suspect after police found a lutong (langur), a wildcat and a sun bear at his home. "Perhilitan is pursuing the case against the suspect under the Wildlife Conservation Act 2010".
The Star
25-06-2025
- The Star
Sitiawan case raises questions on scale of child trafficking in M'sia, says Wanita MCA
PETALING JAYA: The recent incident where a single mother was charged for sexually trafficking her biological daughter raises questions about the scale of child trafficking in the country, says Datuk Wong You Fong. The Wanita MCA national chairman also said details of the case were particularly alarming because it occurred within a broader network of sexual exploitation, as the perpetrator had regularly transported the victim to specific locations, suggesting that certain areas have become hotspots for such activities. 'This troubling reality raises questions about the scale of child trafficking within the country and demands an immediate investigation on other potential locations where similar crime may be occurring. 'Such places must be identified, monitored and swiftly shut down to prevent further harm,' said Wong in a statement on Wednesday (June 25). Wong also said it is important to recognise that the root cause of child sexual exploitation lies not only in the actions of traffickers, but also in the demand for such activities. 'As long as there are individuals who seek to exploit children for sexual gain, this cycle of abuse will continue," she said. ALSO READ: Teen forced into sex work Therefore, Wong said it is essential that those who purchase such services are held as accountable as those who are facilitating the trafficking. 'Without addressing both the 'supply' and 'demand', efforts to combat trafficking will remain incomplete,' she said. At the same time, Wong said it is important to ensure that strong legal frameworks are in place, as this will provide clear and stringent penalties for those involved in trafficking, exploitation and abuse. 'Equally important is the need for education and awareness campaigns that inform the public about the signs of trafficking and exploitation, so that communities are better equipped to identify and report suspicious activities. 'If the girl involved had more community support, perhaps she would have been saved sooner and she would not have to endure such a nightmare for three years,' said Wong, who added that it is essential to strengthen support services for victims so they can rebuild their lives. Wong said the fight against child sex exploitation and trafficking is one that requires the commitment of all segments of society. 'It is vital that we act now to safeguard vulnerable children and ensure that this crime is eradicated once and for all,' added Wong. On Tuesday (June 24), a single mother pleaded not guilty to two charges of trafficking her biological daughter for sexual exploitation over the past three years. The housewife was accused of trafficking her 17-year-old daughter at the time of the incident for sexual exploitation at a flat in Sitiawan, Perak, between 2022 and Sept 3, 2023. She is charged under Section 14 of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Act (ATIPSOM) 2007, which provides for a maximum life sentence or a maximum of five years imprisonment and whipping upon conviction. She is also charged under Section 12 of the same Act, carrying a maximum sentence of 20 years'[ imprisonment and a possible fine. The court granted the accused bail of RM7,000 with one surety for each charge and it set July 31 for the next mention date.
The Star
24-06-2025
- The Star
Single mother claims trial to charges of trafficking daughter
IPOH: A single mother pleaded not guilty at the Sessions Court to two charges of trafficking her biological daughter for sexual exploitation over the past three years. Hasimah Saad, 44, claimed trial to both charges before Judge Azizah Ahmad on Tuesday (June 24). According to the charge sheet, she is accused of trafficking her 17-year-old daughter at the time of the incident for sexual exploitation. The housewife allegedly committed the offence at a flat in Sitiawan between 2022 and Sept 3, 2023. She is charged under Section 14 of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Act (ATIPSOM) 2007, which provides for a maximum life sentence or a minimum of five years' imprisonment and whipping upon conviction. For the second charge, she is accused of trafficking the same victim for exploitation using force to compel her to work as a sex worker. This act allegedly took place at the same location between Sept 4, 2024 and June 7, 2025. She is charged under Section 12 of the same Act, carrying a maximum sentence of 20 years' imprisonment and a possible fine. Judge Azizah granted the accused bail of RM7,000 with one surety for each charge. The accused must report to the nearest police station once a month and refrain from disturbing any witnesses, including her two other children aged 16 and 19. The court additionally allows her to meet these children in the presence of the investigating officer, should the children consent. It then set July 31 for the next mention date, allowing the accused to appoint a lawyer.
New Straits Times
29-05-2025
- New Straits Times
Migrant smugling syndicate dismantled, alleged leader nabbed in Johor raids
JOHOR BARU: Malaysian authorities dismantled a cross-border migrant smuggling syndicate in a major night-time operation, arresting its suspected leader — a 38-year-old Indonesian man known as "Dedi," a senior immigration official said. He was among 11 individuals detained during a series of coordinated night-time raids across Kukup, Skudai, and Batu Pahat on May 27. The suspects were aged between 25 and 47. The syndicate, believed to have been operating for at least six months, was smuggling undocumented Indonesians in and out of Johor using sea routes. Backed by anti-trafficking and anti-money laundering units, immigration officers seized key evidence including passports, cash, mobile phones, a multi-purpose vehicle, and a boat — effectively crippling the group's operations. A three-week intelligence-led operation culminated in the successful dismantling of the syndicate. Immigration director-general Datuk Zakaria Shaaban said the syndicate had been active for at least six months and charged each migrant RM2,100 for transport into or out of Malaysia by boat. "Our officers also detained five Indonesian men and one woman, most of whom had no valid travel documents, while one was found to have overstayed," he said in a statement today. These suspects were among the 11 arrested during the operation. Investigations revealed that migrants were temporarily housed in a hotel, believed used as a holding location to avoid suspicion before they were transported by sea between Indonesia and Johor, Zakaria said. Five suspects — three Indonesian men and two Malaysian women — are being investigated under Section 26A of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Act (ATIPSOM) 2007, while the remaining Indonesians face charges under Section 6(3) of the Immigration Act 1959/63. All detainees were taken to the Immigration Department's depot in Setia Tropika for further action. Zakaria said the department will intensify efforts to clamp down on migrant smuggling operations to protect the country's border sovereignty.
