Marine cops identify 'rat routes' used to smuggle foreigners into country

GEORGE TOWN: Marine Police have identified over 50 "rat routes" stretching from Perak to Selangor waters that are used to smuggle foreigners, especially from Indonesia, into the country.

The routes were identified during an operation under the Anti-Trafficking In Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants 2007 (Atipsom) and Immigration Act 1959/63 earlier this month.

Marine Police Region One commander Asst Comm Shamsol Kassim said the routes were difficult to find as they were far from security forces' bases or monitoring stations, making surveillance an arduous task.

"It takes syndicates four to five hours to bring in illegal foreigners. The (lack) of monitoring along those sea routes makes it easier for them.

"There is a demand for illegal immigrants now since most of the economic sectors have reopened, especially for domestic work and farming," ACP Shamsol told a press conference at the Marine Police base in Batu Uban on Tuesday (Feb 15).

He said popular routes were between Klang, Selangor and Hutang Melintang, Perak and the smugglers used modified fishing boats which could accommodate between 100 and 200 people.

According to ACP Shamsol, 165 Indonesians were detained in the operation while four boats valued at RM900,000 in total were seized.

"Investigations revealed that the illegals brought in during the wee hours of the morning paid between RM1,500 and RM2,000 to the smuggling syndicates," ACP Shamsol added.

He said they had been promised jobs upon arrival here. Those arrested were brought to Sungai Buloh, Tanjung Karang and Sungai Serdang in Selangor for further investigations.

ACP Shamsol said Marine Police Region One's jurisdiction stretched from Selangor waters up to Langkawi.

On another matter, he said Marine Police also seized contraband cigarettes and liquor worth RM3.36mil during raids in Langkawi, Penang, Perak and Selangor during the recent Chinese New Year celebrations.

"Two cars, a motorcycle and a lorry were also seized and the cases will be probed under the Customs Act 1967.

"Marine Police also took action against 52 trawlers in the waters of Kedah, Penang, Perak and Selangor, (for offences) under the Fisheries Act 1985," added ACP Shamsol.