Tight ship: Saifuddin Nasution giving a wave as he boards ‘KM Tun Fatimah’. — Bernama
PORT KLANG: There are plans to continue the repatriation programme involving undocumented Indonesian citizens until next year, says Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.
He said the programme enables Indonesians who are residing in Malaysia illegally and without valid documents to surrender themselves, pay a compound and return home safely.
“The initiative has resulted in RM120mil in compounds collected,” he said.
Saifuddin Nasution, however, did not provide details to the plan.
The government had carried out repatriation programmes over the years, with the last one – the migrant repatriation programme – conducted last year.
Under the programme, foreigners without a valid travel pass or who have overstayed were fined RM500 if they want to return home. Those who violated their travel passes or permits would be charged RM300.
On another matter, Saifuddin Nasution said the special operation codenamed Ops Pagar Laut have resulted in seizures worth RM110mil, including contraband, over the past five years.
He said the special operation conducted by the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) since 2020 plays a crucial role in combating cross-border crimes along the nation’s maritime area, including during Ramadan and Hari Raya Aidilfitri.
“MMEA will collect intelligence and deploy assets before conducting enforcement operations,” he added.
Between 2020 and last year, the special operation saw 251 cases recorded.
The highest number of cases occurred in the waters of Sabah (69), followed by Perak (57) and Johor (31).
Among offences that authorities will look out for are encroachment by foreign fishermen, smuggling of migrants as well as illegal anchoring and transfer of cargo among ships.
“MMEA officers have always put their lives on the line for the sake of the nation.
“Several high-risk incidents occurred over the years, including attacks on MMEA officers in Kunak and Pulau Timbun Mata in Sabah,” he told reporters after launching the special operation on the MMEA’s new vessel KM Tun Fatimah yesterday.
Given criminals are becoming more aggressive, the government is committed to ensuring the MMEA receives new assets to face them, he added.
“The government has also agreed to acquire a new Multi-Purpose Mission Ship from Desan Shipyard in Turkiye.
“The ship will be operational in the first quarter of 2027 and it will strengthen MMEA’s capabilities,” he said.
