A local man allegedly earning RM2,500 per trip for transporting illegal immigrants was arrested by the General Operations Force (PGA) together with 19 Myanmar nationals in two separate raids in front of the Tok Bu’ya Muslim Cemetery, Pangkal Meleret, on Friday.
The 32-year-old suspect, believed to be a “transporter”, also tested positive for methamphetamine after being detained during Op Taring Wawasan at about 11.45am.
Brigade Southeast Commander, Senior Assistant Commissioner Ahmad Radzi Hussin said the suspect is believed to have been responsible for ferrying undocumented migrants through illegal border routes in Kelantan before sending them to Kuala Lumpur and Selayang.
“Checks on a Honda Jazz uncovered nine Myanmar nationals, comprising five men and four women, all without valid identification documents,” he said in a statement on Saturday.
Investigations found that the suspect admitted to receiving RM2,500 for each trip from a Thai man known as ‘Is’.
He also had prior criminal and drug-related records.
About 15 minutes later, the operation team also intercepted a Volkswagen Passat that was abandoned after its driver fled the scene.
“Further checks on the vehicle revealed another nine Myanmar nationals, consisting of four men and five women,” he added.
Authorities believe all the undocumented migrants entered Malaysia via illegal routes around Bukit Bunga, Tanah Merah, before being transported to work as general labourers and restaurant helpers in Selayang.
It is also believed that each migrant paid about RM3,500 to an agent known as ‘Ko Myo’ to enter Malaysia.
A total of two vehicles, 18 mobile phones and vehicle keys were seized, with overall value estimated at RM127,000.
The case is being investigated under Section 26J of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Act 2007, Section 6(1)(c) of the Immigration Act 1959/63, Section 7(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987, and Section 15(1) of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952.
