JOHOR BARU: The state’s geographical challenges, with its extensive land and maritime borders, as well as the increasingly deceptive tactics used by illegal immigrant syndicates, which frequently change their modus operandi, are among the main challenges faced by the state Immigration Department in curbing illegal activities.
State Immigration director Datuk Mohd Rusdi Mohd Darus told Bernama these factors have led to the existence of numerous “rat trails” (illegal routes) along the coastline, with areas such as Kota Tinggi, Mersing and Pontian becoming primary targets for syndicates smuggling illegal immigrants from Indonesia.
“If you look, from Muar to Batu Pahat, then to Johor Baru, Pengerang and Mersing, the areas are surrounded by sea, which means the coverage is vast.
“When the area is large, it means there are many rat trails,” he said in a recent interview.
Declining to reveal the exact hotspot locations, Mohd Rusdi said that the syndicates take advantage of illegal sea routes, using small boats at night to bring in illegal immigrants, especially from Indonesia.
He added that the syndicates’ tactics have also evolved, with them constantly studying the weaknesses and enforcement patterns of authorities before changing their approach and strategy to carry out migrant smuggling activities.
Mohd Rusdi said syndicates are now using high-speed boats and diversifying their smuggling methods to avoid detection by the authorities.
This trend can be seen when the department managed to detect illegal immigrants being hidden in containers and delivery lorries at transit points before being sent to other locations, in addition to secluded rented houses.
“These smuggling syndicates often use constantly changing and creative tactics, including the use of land coordinators posing as tourists, as well as fake documents. There are also cases where security personnel are threatened or bribed, creating integrity risks.”
He said the state Immigration Department always works closely with various agencies, including the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA), the Marine Department, the Customs Department and the police, through integrated operations and joint patrols.
Mohd Rusdi said that from January to December last year, a total of 2,091 operations were carried out, involving inspections on 58,481 individuals, of whom 7,052 foreign nationals were detained for various immigration offences.
The highest number of arrests involved Myanmar nationals at 2,115, followed by Indonesians (1,706), Bangladeshis (1,652), Pakistanis (304), Thais (255), Indians (250), Chinese (214) and Nepalese (201).
Other nationalities included Vietnamese (171), Cambodians (55), Filipinos (44), Sri Lankans (35), Yemenis (24), Laotians (21), Syrians (five), Singaporeans (three), Algerians (two), Sudanese (one), Taiwanese (one), Afghan (one) and a stateless individual.
Mohd Rusdi said that during the same period, a total of 4,317 foreign nationals were charged under Section 15(1)(c) of the Immigration Act 1959/63 for overstaying.
A total of 64 employers or premises owners were also charged with employing individuals without valid passes, as well as with allowing illegal immigrants to enter and stay at their premises.
He stated that the department has strengthened its use of the latest technology in enforcement operations and intelligence elements.
“We have a trained intelligence team to conduct early surveillance before any operation is carried out, and through the use of drones, we can monitor the surrounding areas, including entry and exit routes as well as certain hidden paths.”
