BUKIT KAYU HITAM: The Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency detained 11 Thai nationals for migrant smuggling and lacking valid travel documents at the Bukit Kayu Hitam Immigration, Customs, Quarantine and Security Complex (ICQS) here on Saturday (April 7).
Its commander, SAC Fauzi Mohd Yusof, said all of them in three Thai-registered motorvans, were detected when they behaved suspiciously at the bus lane, Block D, Bukit Kayu Hitam ICQS Complex at 11.30pm.
"The inspection on all three vehicles found that seven Thai nationals did not possess any valid travel documents. These individuals were detained under Section 6(1)(c), Immigration Act 1959/63.
"Meanwhile, four Thai male nationals who possessed documents were detained for investigation under Section 26A, Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Act 2007 (ATIPSOM 2007)," he said in a statement on Wednesday (April 8).
He said that AKPS seized the three vans along with four cats found, which were handed to the Malaysian Quarantine and Inspection Services Department (MAQIS) for further action.
According to him, preliminary investigations found all those detained were believed to be from a welfare centre in the Pha-ngan region in Thailand and were said to be heading south of the country.
"All those remanded have been in remand for two weeks until April 18 and have been placed at the Belantik Immigration Depot, Sik for further investigations."
Fauzi said that AKPS will not compromise on any form of migrant smuggling and human trafficking activities, and strict action will be taken against any party attempting to misuse the country's entry points.
Meanwhile, in a separate case, Fauzi said his team detained a Thai national believed to be involved in petrol smuggling activities to the neighbouring country at the Bukit Kayu Hitam ICQS Complex on Monday (April 6).
He said prior to that, enforcement officers had stopped a car driven by a man in his 50s at the exit route of the complex at 10.45am.
"The results of the authorities' inspection found modifications to the rear and seating area of the vehicle, believed to be used for smuggling petrol.
"Further inspection found that approximately 400 litres of petrol, valued at around RM1,550, hidden in the vehicle," he said, adding that the case is being investigated under the Control of Supplies Act 1961. - Bernama
