Police recently arrested 9 Indonesian men, including 3 boat operators, in the waters near Pulau Sibu, Kota Tinggi. They attempted to use 3 boats to illegally exit the country.
Johor State Police Chief Datuk Rahman stated in a press release that the arrested foreign nationals were aged between 22 and 52. Authorities conducted "Operation Taring Gelora" between 6:53pm and 8:30pm that evening.
"These boats were intercepted due to suspicious behavior. Upon inspection, it was discovered that 3 of the men were boat operators responsible for transporting passengers to and from Batam Island, while the other 6 passengers were preparing to return to their home country."
He pointed out that authorities seized two wooden speedboats, one fiberglass boat, two Yamaha outboard engines, and one 100-horsepower Suzuki outboard engine, with total confiscated items valued at approximately RM435,785.
"Police are investigating the case under Section 5(2) of the Immigration Act 1959/63 and Section 26A of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Act 2007."
He noted that if the public has any information about criminal activities, they can contact the nearest police station operations room or the Johor Police Headquarters at: 07-2212999.