KUALA LUMPUR: More than 15 individuals were detained following raids on a migrant smuggling syndicate in Kuala Selangor.
Immigration director-general Datuk Zakaria Shaaban said the operation, carried out on Tuesday by officers from the department’s Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants and Anti-Money Laundering divisions, along with the Intelligence and Special Operations Division, was based on intelligence gathering and public tip-offs.
In the first raid, enforcement personnel stormed a premises used as a transit point for migrants before being smuggled to Indonesia via illegal routes.
“The location, concealed behind a grocery store and eatery, was equipped with living quarters, bathrooms and a kitchen.
“We detained nine Indonesian migrants – seven men and two women aged between 20 and 45 – along with two male transporters, one from Nepal and another from Indonesia, believed to be responsible for ferrying the migrants. A vehicle used by the syndicate was also seized,” Zakaria said in a statement.
A follow-up operation at a nearby double-storey terrace house resulted in the detention of six more Indonesian migrants – three men and three women aged 22 to 40.
“Two caretakers, an Indonesian woman and a Nepalese man, were also arrested.
“Initial investigations revealed that the migrants had been temporarily housed at both premises before being smuggled out via illegal sea routes off Kuala Selangor. Many admitted that they had engaged the syndicate’s services through social media,” he added.
A 36-year-old Indonesian man believed to be the main coordinator and transporter for the syndicate was also arrested.
“We also seized another vehicle and cash suspected to be payments from several migrants for smuggling services,” Zakaria said.
The department is now tracing the local property owner suspected of colluding with the syndicate by renting and allowing the premises to be used as collection points for illegal entry and exit activities.
The individual will be investigated under the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Act 2007 (Atipsom).
Investigations show that the “Pade Ajak” syndicate has been active since early 2023, with networks spanning both Malaysia and Indonesia.
The group allegedly used social media to offer illegal migration services, charging between RM1,500 and RM2,100 per person.
The syndicate’s total profits are estimated to have reached RM504,000.
Zakaria said the operation also implemented the National Guideline on Human Trafficking Indicators 2.0 to identify potential trafficking victims among vulnerable groups.
“Further investigations are underway under the Atipsom Act 2007,” he added.
The Immigration Department reiterated its commitment to combating all forms of migrant smuggling and human trafficking.
“Firm action will be taken against any individuals, syndicates, employers, or property owners involved in harbouring or employing undocumented migrants.
“Strict legal action will be taken without compromise against anyone found guilty of colluding in such crimes,” the department said.
“The public is urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities related to migrant smuggling or human trafficking,” it added.
