KUALA LUMPUR: The Immigration Department has welcomed the Shah Alam High Court's decision to convict an Indonesian woman under Section 26J of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants (Atipsom) Act 2007.
The 53-year-old woman, identified as Siti Nur Asyiah, was sentenced to three years in jail after being found guilty of smuggling five Indonesian migrants.
The court also ordered the forfeiture of RM7,100 in seized cash to the Malaysian Government.
The decision was delivered on Wednesday (Feb 11)>
Immigration deputy director-general (Operations) Datuk Lokman Effendi Ramli said the accused was arrested during Ops Som conducted by the department's Atipsom and Amla Prevention Division on March 19 last year.
"The operation was carried out at the parking area of Nuri Court in Pandan Indah, Ampang.
"Inspection of a vehicle believed to have been used for smuggling activities led to the discovery of five migrants inside," he said in a statement on Friday (Feb 13).
He said the department is committed to combating all forms of migrant smuggling and human trafficking.
"We will continue to intensify integrated enforcement operations and take firm legal action without compromise against any individual, syndicate or party involved in activities that violate the country’s immigration laws," he said.
He also advised the public to remain vigilant and to channel information on suspicious activities through the department's official complaint channels.
"Public cooperation is crucial in ensuring the safety, sovereignty and well-being of the country are preserved at all times," he added.
