PORT DICKSON: The Malaysia Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) has detained 30 undocumented foreigners who tried to sneak out of the country in a boat.
Negri Sembilan and Melaka MMEA chief Kapt Maritim Iskandar Ishak said the foreigners, including four women, were detained in Port Dickson waters around 12.40am on Saturday (Nov 4).
"Our radar detected a suspicious looking contact heading towards Tg Rhu in Sepang around 10pm and an MMEA asset was dispatched to check it out. Our asset spotted the boat and tried to intercept it but it sped off," he said in a statement.
Kapt Ishak said the MMEA asset gave chase and both were involved in a collission a short distance away.
"The impact caused the boat transporting the foreigners to overturn and eventually sink. My officers then pulled them into the MMEA asset and none were found to be wearing life jackets," he said.
He said 29 were Indonesians while one was from Myanmar and added that none could produce any valid travel documents.
All of those rescued are aged 21 and 63.
The case is being investigated under the Immigration Act 1959/63.
"The MMEA will continue to monitor our territorial waters to prevent illegals from sneaking in or out. We believe foreign and local agents are behind these illegal activities. They have no regard for the safety of the passengers and charge an exceptionally high fee," he said.
He also urged those with information on such activities to call the MMEA operations line at 06-3876 730 or 999 which operates 24 hours.
