JOHOR BARU: The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) has conducted a verification and assessment into a video alleging that a syndicate is using speedboats to smuggle illegal immigrants into Malaysia.
Johor MMEA acting director Maritime Captain Kama Azri Kamil said investigations found no evidence of the purported syndicate's activities.
“Intelligence and investigation results on cases since 2024 found no evidence of the modus operandi depicted in the viral video,’’ he said in a statement.
This follows claims on social media alleging that a smuggling syndicate is bringing undocumented Indonesian migrants into Malaysia by boat for about RM1,500 per person.
It is understood the routes used include the Kukup, Pontian, Ayer Baloi and Sanglang areas on the west coast of Johor, facing the Straits of Melaka, with each boat carrying up to 27 people in a single trip.
“Migrant smuggling syndicates constantly change their modus operandi to avoid detection,” explained Maritime Captain Kama Azri.
He added that common tactics include using small-engine fibre boats that resemble local fishing boats, constantly changing landing spots, and picking times that are hard to track.
Maritime Captain Kama Azri said the Johor MMEA thwarted 13 attempts to smuggle undocumented migrants through sea routes from 2024 until the first seven months of 2026.
“There were six cases in 2024, four in 2025 and three cases in 2026 to date, involving 41 male illegal immigrants and three women,’’ he said.
Maritime Captain Kama Azri called upon members of the public with information on marine-related crime activities or intrusions of Malaysia’s maritime zone to contact the Johor Maritime Operation Centre at 07-2199400 or the Emergency Line at 999.
