19 hours ago
Cross-border human smuggling syndicates resurface, leveraging social media promotions
KUALA LUMPUR: Cross-border people smuggling syndicates are promoting boat crossings between Indonesia and Malaysia on social media platforms.
However, these illegal services come with serious risks, including hefty fines and jail terms.
The advertisements claim Indonesian migrants in Malaysia — estimated at around 1.5 million people — can return home for as little as RM500 per person.
On the other hand, a return journey can cost up to RM2,000, depending on the route and number of passengers.
Aside from offering "safe and fast" transport services with pickup and drop-off points along Selangor's nearly 200km coastline, these syndicates also promise a "hassle-free" journey.
Checks by the New Straits Times found that several accounts have claimed that they can also "settle" any issues with enforcement agencies.
In Indonesia, the passengers are dropped off in Dumai and Tanjung Balai in Sumatra.
Videos on social media platforms feature images of boats, boatmen and pick-up points near the shoreline.
The advertisements appear to target migrants seeking to enter or return to Malaysia without going through the proper legal channels.
"We believe that the syndicates are trying to resume their operations," said Marine police commander Senior Assistant Commissioner Shamsol Kassim.
RESUMPTION OF OPERATIONS
Shamsol told the NST that these activities had previously slowed following a deadly skirmish in January.
In the incident, a group of smugglers rammed a Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) patrol vessel off Tanjung Rhu, resulting in a shootout that killed two foreigners.
The authorities also found two machetes onboard the Indonesian vessel.
"But so far, we haven't detected any fresh attempts to enter via Selangor waters."
Shamsol said the syndicates were known to rely on long-established "rat routes" — narrow, unpatrolled sea lanes — and agents operating on both sides of the maritime border.
"These smuggling routes have been used for years. Our main challenge is limited enforcement assets, but we've already increased our patrols and presence in key areas."
Shamsol added that they were working closely with the Special Branch and the Criminal Investigation Department's D3 Anti-Human Trafficking Division to gather intelligence and monitor syndicate activity.
MMEA ON THE LOOKOUT
Selangor MMEA director Captain Abdul Muhaimin Muhammad Salleh said the agency was aware of ads offering such services on social media platforms and was taking steps to counter them.
"MMEA constantly evaluates operational needs based on current intelligence and threat levels. Hotspot areas, especially in Selangor waters, are given special attention and patrols will continue to be increased to address maritime crimes."
Muhaimin said the narrowest point between Malaysia and Indonesia, off Batu Laut, Tanjung Sepat, was only 13.9 nautical miles.
MMEA director-general Admiral Datuk Mohd Rosli Abdullah said 15 hotspots for the illegal entry and exit of undocumented migrants had been identified along the Strait of Malacca.
These routes are part of an organised network facilitating cross-border movement, especially involving Indonesian and Thai nationals.
"Thai migrants typically enter Malaysian waters via the nearest border areas, namely Langkawi or Kuala Perlis.
"Movements involving Indonesian nationals are concentrated across four states, namely Selangor, Negri Sembilan, Melaka and Johor."
In Selangor, Rosli said the hotspots included Pulau Ketam, Pulau Carey, Bagan Sekinchan, Pantai Morib and Sungai Janggut.
"Hotspot areas in Negri Sembilan and Melaka include Pasir Panjang, Pantai Teluk Kemang, Pulau Perjudi, Kuala Sungai Baru, Tanjung Tuan and Pantai Teluk Gong.
"In Johor, the routes used are Sungai Sanglang and Batu Pahat, as well as Tanjung Piai and Forest City."
He said the agency was working with other authorities, including the police, the Customs Department and the Immigration Department, to coordinate enforcement action.
"This integrated approach is vital to boost the effectiveness of enforcement operations.
"MMEA also works closely with local maritime communities under the Kampung Angkat Maritim programme, where villagers serve as our eyes and ears on the ground."
Previously, the MMEA said it was monitoring social media accounts promoting illegal migrant transport services.
According to MMEA statistics, a total of 68 attempts to smuggle undocumented migrants were foiled in 2024, resulting in the arrest of 236 people from various countries.
For the record, under Section 6(3) of the Immigration Act, any person who unlawfully enters or remains in Malaysia faces a fine of up to RM10,000, a maximum jail term of five years, or both. They are also liable to whipping of not more than six strokes.
NO LET-UP IN CRACKDOWN
There will be no let-up in efforts to dismantle migrant smuggling syndicates that use social media platforms to promote illegal crossings between Malaysia and Indonesia, police have pledged.
Federal police CID (D3) principal assistant director Senior Assistant Commissioner Soffian Santong said it had intensified cooperation with enforcement agencies under Section 27 of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Act, including the Marine police, the MMEA and the Immigration Department.
D3 is also working with the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission to identify and act against online promotion of these services.
"In February and March this year, we launched a special operation, Op Khas SOM, specifically to tackle syndicates using social media to promote migrant smuggling."
He said six separate raids were carried out in the Klang Valley, resulting in the arrest of 146 Indonesian migrants.
"We also detained 24 individuals suspected of being involved in the smuggling network.
"Those arrested held various roles including transit house caretakers, recruiters, land and sea-based smugglers (tekong), and transporters," he said, adding that most of the tekong involved were foreigners.
Soffian said integrated enforcement efforts against these syndicates would continue.
