Perak police chief Comm Datuk Seri Mohd Yusri Hassan Basri reported that a local husband and wife were taken into custody for their involvement in migrant trafficking, accompanied by 12 foreign nationals including an individual from Timor Leste and 11 Indonesians. The arrests were made during a pre-dawn operation in Hilir Perak on Nov 29.
With the help of the marine police land unit, the couple and an Indonesian man were detained during the operation. Additionally, 10 Indonesian migrants were apprehended for attempting to unlawfully enter the country via the waterways in Sungai Tiang, Teluk Intan,” he said at a press conference at the state police contingent headquarters on Dec 1.
“At approximately 6:30 am on the same day, we also apprehended a Timor Leste national at a banana plantation in Hutan Melintang, who is believed to be involved in migrant trafficking activities.”
Comm Mohd Yusri mentioned that those who were arrested ranged from 25 to 60 years old. The syndicate in question was reportedly receiving payments ranging from RM1,500 to RM1,800 for every migrant smuggled, with the intention of transporting the migrants across the country. The case is currently being investigated under Section 26A of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants (Atipsom) Act 2007.
“Convicted individuals could face up to 20 years in prison, fines, and whipping,” he added. “All those arrested have been remanded under the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012.”
Comm Mohd Yusri informed that the police have carried out 10 raids, resulting in the arrest of 17 locals and 184 foreign migrants for various offences under Atipsom. He urged the public to avoid participating in smuggling activities and encouraged individuals to come forward with any information related to human trafficking in order to prevent these activities and ensure the safety and peace of the state.
