JOHOR BARU: Routes from Indonesian regions bordering or near Malaysia, particularly Dumai, Bengkalis and Selat Panjang in Riau, as well as Batam, Bintan and Karimun in the Riau Islands, have been identified as among the routes commonly used by syndicates to smuggle undocumented migrants into the country illegally.
The Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia (KJRI) here said the modus operandi identified included entering Malaysia legally before working without a permit, using a third country such as Thailand, and entering the country through back routes or other illegal channels.
ALSO READ: Cops cripple migrant smuggling syndicate with arrests of seven locals, 28 foreigners
"Recruitment or scams through social media have also been identified, particularly involving job offers as domestic helpers and crew members.
"In addition, there have been cases of exploitation of Indonesian migrant workers (PMI), including non-payment of wages or mistreatment, as well as the recruitment of people from remote areas with offers of high-paying jobs overseas," it said in a written response to queries.
The involvement of certain parties in facilitating the movement of undocumented Indonesian nationals without valid permits was also identified.
At the same time, Indonesian authorities have detected a shift in syndicates’ modus operandi towards online scams, with even highly educated individuals being targeted through overseas job offers, including in information technology, with promises of high incomes.
ALSO READ: Five Indonesians charged with human smuggling over boat capsize that killed 16
Action has also been taken by the Indonesian National Police (Polri), the Directorate General of Immigration and relevant agencies to dismantle networks involved in the illegal or irregular recruitment and transportation of Indonesian migrant workers to Malaysia.
The Consulate General also said the Indonesian government had tightened controls at its border entry points, with 8,287 departures postponed and 9,394 high-risk passport applications rejected from January to July as part of efforts to curb the illegal movement of Indonesians overseas.
Measures by the Directorate General of Immigration also included tighter controls at border points, including Batam and Pontianak.
Based on enforcement data up to mid-2025, Polri handled 609 cases of human trafficking, most of which were linked to syndicates involved in the illegal or irregular movement of migrant workers.
The Consultate General said it was aware of information on social media regarding alleged illegal routes from Indonesia to Malaysia by sea.
It said it was monitoring the situation and had reported social media accounts found to be disseminating such information to the Indonesian authorities for further action.
ALSO READ: Seven Indonesians nabbed in Kota Tinggi over suspected migrant smuggling
It also frequently received complaints from Indonesians who entered and worked in Malaysia through illegal routes or channels, with some contacting the consulate after encountering problems here.
Among the assistance provided were consular services, help in obtaining travel documents, and facilitating returns to Indonesia when necessary.
"The use of illegal routes not only exposes them to risks under immigration laws, but also increases the likelihood of them falling victim to scams, exploitation and human trafficking," the Consulate General said.
On claims that some Indonesians were willing to pay up to RM1,500 to enter Malaysia illegally, it said it could not verify the amount.
However, based on information and complaints received, it said some Indonesians had admitted paying money to certain parties to enter Malaysia through illegal channels.
One factor that may be driving this is the desire to secure employment quickly, including among individuals who face difficulties entering Malaysia through regular channels. – Bernama
