A 35-year-old local man has been sentenced to two years in prison after admitting to transporting four Indonesian migrants who were allegedly smuggled into Malaysia last year.
High Court Judge Wong Siong Tung handed down the sentence after convicting Bannie Mathew under Section 26J of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants (Atipsom) Act 2007 following his guilty plea.
The offence carries a maximum penalty of five years’ imprisonment, a fine of up to RM250,000, or both upon conviction.
Bannie committed the offence while transporting the four Indonesian nationals at a junction in Kampung Senibong, Jalan Tondong, Batu Kawa, at about 2.25pm on April 26, 2025.
Based on the case facts, Immigration Department officers conducting Ops Serkap stopped and inspected a red multi-purpose vehicle at the location. The vehicle was driven by Bannie, who was found carrying four Indonesian citizens.
Investigations revealed that two of the migrants did not have valid documents or passes to enter Malaysia, while the remaining two had exceeded their permitted stay period in the country.
The four foreigners were subsequently arrested and charged under Sections 6(1)(c) and 15(1)(c) of the Immigration Act 1959/63 for immigration-related offences.
Following the discovery, Bannie was charged under the Atipsom Act for transporting illegal migrants. The case highlights continued enforcement efforts by authorities against individuals involved in migrant smuggling activities.
Deputy Public Prosecutor Kong Siew Chuo appeared for the prosecution, while Bannie was represented by lawyer Steven Beti.
