PETALING JAYA: Over 100 people have been arrested following an operation to curb migrant smuggling activities in Manjung, Perak.
Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department director Comm Datuk M. Kumar said in a statement on Wednesday (Aug 19) that the operation, dubbed Ops Pintas, was conducted on Tuesday (Aug 18).
Raids were carried out at two locations, including 0.3 nautical miles off the waters of Manjung and along the Pantai Remis coastal area.
"As a result of the operation, a total of 108 individuals were arrested including the five Indonesian men believed to have acted as sea boatmen, boatmen's assistants and beach lookouts that were aged between 19 and 60.
"The police also detained 103 Indonesian migrants comprising 67 men, 33 women as well as three male children and four female children, aged between eight months and 68 years.
"Preliminary investigations found that all those arrested were not in possession of valid travel documents,” he said.
Police also seized around 5.8kg of suspected syabu discovered among the belongings of the suspects.
"The fee charged for each migrant was between RM800 and RM1,800 per person, paid in cash to transporters and agents,” he said.
All suspects have been taken to the Manjung district police headquarters for further investigation.
"The police will continue to strengthen security controls in the country's waters and will not compromise with any party involved in migrant smuggling activities.
"Firm action will be taken against those involved under the provisions of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Act 2007 (ATIPSOM),” he said.
