MMEA investigating masterminds behind landing of 202 illegal immigrants in Langkawi

LANGKAWI: The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) is investigating reports from illegal immigrants who were detained here that the boat skipper and three crew members abandoned them while at sea.

Kedah and Perlis MMEA deputy operations director Maritime Captain Zulinda Ramly said the four men are suspected to be the masterminds behind the landing of the illegal immigrants.

In a statement, she said the boat with 202 illegal immigrants, believed to be Rohingyas, was detained at 1.2 nautical miles southwest of the Ritz-Carlton Beach Resort at about 8.45am on Sunday (April 5). They comprised 152 men, 45 women, four boys and a girl.

She said they were taken to the Kedah and Perlis MMEA lock-up in Bukit Malut on Sunday afternoon and would be handed over to the Immigration Department for entering the country illegally.

Zulinda also said all MMEA personnel involved in the case took precautionary measures to prevent the spread of Covid-19 among the illegal immigrants.

Any complaints and emergencies at sea can be reported via the MERS 999 and to the Kedah and Perlis (Langkawi) Maritime Operations Centre at 04-9662750/04-9665307.