On July 31 this year, 41 Indonesian nationals who were detained by the Perak State Maritime Enforcement Agency in the Teluk Senangin (Redang Sekin) beach waters were brought before the Seri Manjung Magistrate's Court on Friday. After all pleaded guilty, they were each sentenced to three months' imprisonment.
Perak State Maritime Enforcement Agency director Mohamad Sukri stated in a press release that the 41 defendants were charged under Section 5(2) of the Immigration Act 1959/63 for entering Malaysia via unauthorized and un-gazetted routes, and were brought to court to face charges.
He said that all 41 defendants admitted guilt in court, after which the court sentenced each to three months in prison.
He noted that two of the defendants were also brought before the Seri Manjung Sessions Court, facing charges under Section 26A of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Act 2007 (ATIPSOM).
He stated that the case has been mentioned in Sessions Court, and legal proceedings will continue, including transferring the case to the High Court for trial.
He revealed that the 41 defendants were previously arrested during an enforcement action carried out by the Perak State Maritime Enforcement Agency.
“At that time, enforcement personnel found an Indonesian fishing boat in the early hours of July 31, carrying 41 illegal entrants in waters off Teluk Senangin near Batu Malang.”
He pointed out that upon inspection, the boat’s helmsman attempted to evade checks and performed dangerous maneuvers, causing the vessel to collide four times with the Maritime Enforcement patrol boat. After swift action by enforcement personnel to control the situation, the vessel was prevented from escaping and was fully detained at 3:35 AM. No enforcement personnel were injured in the incident.
He emphasized that the authorities treat human smuggling and illegal entry via unauthorized sea routes very seriously, as such activities not only threaten national security and sovereignty but also expose illegal immigrants to the risk of exploitation by smuggling syndicates and even endanger their safety at sea.
He added that the Maritime Enforcement Agency will continue to strengthen intelligence, patrols, and enforcement capabilities in Malaysian waters to curb human smuggling activities and ensure those involved are legally prosecuted according to current laws.
He also stressed that the Maritime Enforcement Agency will not compromise with anyone attempting to intrude into Malaysian waters, participate in human smuggling, or adopt aggressive behaviors that threaten enforcement officers’ safety.
The Perak State Maritime Enforcement Agency also urges the public, if they notice any suspicious activity at sea, to contact the Perak State Maritime Operations Center (05-6838737) or call the 999 emergency hotline so that authorities can take prompt action.