Minister of Home Affairs Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution said that in the incident where enforcement personnel from the Malaysian Maritime Agency shot at Indonesians illegally departing, the police have detained a man believed to be responsible for transporting the smugglers.
“Preliminary investigations indicate this person is responsible for arranging transportation for the smugglers for entry and exit, and he is also believed to be related to the maritime enforcement agency tracking the smuggler's boat.”
He said that according to the immigration department's records, the man's entries and exits were for a single purpose.
The matter of how the man solicited targets remains under police investigation.
He stated that the police are investigating the case under Section 307 of the Penal Code (attempted murder), Section 186 (obstructing a public servant in the discharge of public functions), and Section 39 of the Arms Act 1960, as well as Section 26A of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Act 2007 (ATIPSOM).
He mentioned that according to police investigations, preliminary suspicions indicate the case involves human trafficking, and the possibility of drug or arms smuggling is not ruled out.
Police Headquarters Take Over the Case
Minister of Home Affairs Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution said, due to the seriousness of the case, it is now under the control of the headquarters and no longer under the jurisdiction of the Banting police district.
He stated that the maritime enforcement agency has also launched an internal investigation to ensure that the actions undertaken are in accordance with the standard operating procedures, and the police will also investigate six personnel from the maritime enforcement agency under Section 39 of the Arms Act 1960.
He also mentioned that the officers involved will be on leave during the investigation.
Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution said that the maritime enforcement agency personnel aimed their firearms at the smugglers' boat to stop it from moving.
He also urged the public not to speculate and to let the police investigate, assuring that the police will handle it professionally and transparently.
In response to whether the involved maritime enforcement agency vessel was equipped with CCTV, the Minister stated no.
Saifuddin also stated that he plans for all enforcement personnel to wear body cameras.