Eight Undocumented Migrants Caught Hiding in Bushes, Failed to Start Work in KL

The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) in Kelantan has thwarted an attempt by eight undocumented Myanmar nationals to enter the country illegally, dashing their hopes of working in Kuala Lumpur. The group, comprising five men and three women, was intercepted shortly after landing from a boat on the banks of Sungai Kampung Pasir Pekan Hilir in Tumpat.

According to Kelantan MMEA Director Captain Maritim Kamal Mohamad, the suspects, aged between 18 and 51, were found hiding in a bush near the riverbank. MMEA officers on patrol spotted a boat moving from the waters of Kuala Besar towards Kota Bharu late Wednesday night. Despite attempts by the boat's skipper to evade capture by navigating shallow waters, the vessel eventually docked, and the passengers disembarked.

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All individuals involved failed to present valid travel documents and are believed to have entered the country illegally.

An immediate search of the area led to the discovery of the eight individuals, all of whom failed to produce valid travel documents. Initial investigations suggest that the group paid RM6,000 per person to a syndicate for their illegal passage into Malaysia via sea. They were reportedly promised employment in the manufacturing sector and eateries in Kuala Lumpur.

The arrested individuals are being held for further investigation under the Immigration Act 1959/63. The MMEA's successful operation highlights ongoing efforts to combat illegal immigration and human trafficking syndicates operating along the country's coastlines.

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All PATI were detained for further investigation under the Immigration Act 1959/63.