JOHOR BARU: Indonesians with permanent resident (PR) status are working with human trafficking syndicates to smuggle illegal immigrants into Malaysia.
The Johor Immigration Department stumbled on this following the arrest of several land 'skippers' comprising Indonesians with PR status in several recent operations.
Assistant director Masri Adul said their involvement helped the syndicates not only because they were more familiar with areas in Malaysia but also because of their knowledge on local culture and language.
He said several of the 'land skippers' were detained to facilitate investigations.
"Their knowledge on the local environment is useful to the syndicate members to enable them to escape from enforcement agencies.
"This is an act of betrayal to the country which has given them (Indonesians with Malaysian PR) so much.
"As such, the government has every right to strip those involved of their PR status as their actions are a threat to the country.
"They are not grateful to the country which has given them PR status. Instead, they take part in crime," he told Bernama.
Masri noted that the main motive for their involvement besides the lucrative money, was to help illegal immigrants from their country of origin.
He said the state immigration department cooperated with other enforcement agencies to eradicate human trafficking, which included tightening security at locations identified as 'hot spots'.
Masri did not deny that Johor's coasts were the main gateway for the trafficking of illegal immigrants due to close proximity with several Indonesian islands.
"I estimate 70 per cent of Indonesians who enter Malaysia illegally use the Johor coast.
"Our closeness to the Indonesian islands and the long stretch of coastal area make it difficult for us to effectively curb human trafficking activities," he disclosed.
The boat ride from Sungai Rengit to Pulau Batam only took 30 minutes, he said, adding that the department had identified 18 'rat trails' (illegal routes) in Johor's east coast used by the syndicates.
Masri said the syndicate frequently changed 'rat trails,' making it more difficult for enforcement agencies to nab them. - Bernama
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