Indonesian migrants allegedly paid between RM1,500 and RM1,800 each to enter or leave Malaysia through illegal routes controlled by a smuggling syndicate.
The syndicate also reportedly offered transportation services, charging from RM500 to ferry migrants to selected destinations across the Klang Valley, depending on the distance travelled.
The operation was uncovered during Op Pintas, conducted by the Selangor police Criminal Investigation Department’s D7 division at three separate locations in the district between November 1 and the early hours of Monday.
In a statement, the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) Criminal Investigation Department said 36 individuals were arrested during the raids.
Those detained comprised 25 Indonesian migrants, including two children, and 12 individuals suspected of acting as transporters.
“Initial investigations found that the syndicate charged between RM1,500 and RM1,800 for each migrant to enter or leave the country.
“Meanwhile, transporters charged from RM500 for journeys to locations within the Klang Valley, depending on the distance,” the department said in a Facebook post.
The operation was carried out with assistance from the General Operations Force Air Wing’s Drone Unit, the Marine Police Force and personnel from the Technical Assistance Division (D6).
Police also seized 11 vehicles, 13 mobile phones and RM4,930 in cash believed to be linked to the operation.
Further investigations are underway to identify the syndicate’s wider network, including those responsible for managing and coordinating the migrant smuggling activities.
The case is being investigated under Sections 26A and 26J of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Act 2007 (ATIPSOM), as well as Section 6(1)(c) of the Immigration Act 1959/63.
