THE Malaysian Immigration Department (JIM) have dismantled a human trafficking syndicate, known as Pade Ajak, that has been smuggling Indonesian migrants in and out of the country through illegal routes since 2023.
The operation was carried out in two coordinated raids yesterday.
JIM Director-General Datuk Zakaria Shaaban revealed that the syndicate charged between RM1,500 and RM2,100 per person.
Migrants were temporarily housed in covert transit centres disguised as retail shops, eateries, and private homes before being transported illegally out of Malaysia.
“The first raid was conducted at a premise used as a transit location for migrants before being smuggled illegally to Indonesia.
The premise operated behind a retail shop and an eatery, equipped with living facilities, bathrooms, and a kitchen,” he said.
During the first raid, authorities arrested nine Indonesian migrants—seven men and two women aged between 20 and 45—along with two syndicate transporters from Indonesia and Nepal. A 36-year-old Indonesian man, suspected of acting as the syndicate’s key organiser in Malaysia, was also detained.
A second raid on a two-storey terrace house nearby resulted in the arrest of six Indonesian migrants and two syndicate members who acted as housekeepers.
“All migrants were temporarily placed at the premises before being smuggled out via illegal sea routes around Kuala Selangor. Most of them admitted to contacting the syndicate through social media,” Datuk Zakaria said.
JIM investigators believe the syndicate is coordinated by operatives in Indonesia, with agents active in both countries. Local property owners who allowed their premises to serve as collection points are also being investigated.
“The syndicate used social media to offer services for bringing migrants in and out through unauthorised routes, with fees ranging from RM1,500 to RM2,100 per person. Total profits are estimated to reach RM504,000,” Datuk Zakaria said.
In total, 20 individuals were detained under the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants (ATIPSOM) Act 2007 to assist in ongoing investigations.
Authorities also used the National Guideline on Human Trafficking Indicators (NGHTI) 2.0 to identify vulnerable victims of trafficking. - November 13, 2025
