POLICE have detected a shift in the routes used by Rohingya migrants entering the country illegally, with small boats increasingly targeting coastal areas including Kuala Kedah, Kerpan, Yan and Kota Kuala Muda.
Kedah Police Chief Datuk Adzli Abu Shah said authorities had previously recorded frequent landings at Teluk Ewa and Teluk Datai in Langkawi, but intensified enforcement efforts had resulted in no foreign migrant arrivals being detected in those areas over the past two months.
He said police had strengthened border surveillance operations with the General Operations Force (PGA) at 17 locations, maintaining round-the-clock patrols involving static checkpoints and motorcycle units, which had proven effective in preventing illegal immigrant landings.
“They may have relatives here, so they have changed their entry routes by travelling by sea in smaller groups, possibly around 10 people, with most heading directly to Kuala Kerpan, Kuala Kedah, Yan and Kota Kuala Muda,” he said.
Authorities believe some migrants may have links with individuals in Malaysia and have changed their maritime routes by travelling in smaller groups, usually involving about 10 people.
Adzli urged members of the public, particularly fishermen, not to cooperate with syndicates involved in bringing foreign nationals into the country illegally.
“This is proven when we make arrests. Based on intelligence operations carried out, there are fishermen who have colluded by accepting payment to assist in bringing these foreign nationals into the country,” he said.
He said police had previously detained a former police officer from Kedah who was suspected of transporting 72 illegal immigrants using a lorry about two months ago.
The suspect, aged in his 30s, was arrested at the Hutan Kampung Toll Plaza and had previously been dismissed from the police force over a drug-related offence.
In a separate incident, three military personnel were also detained for allegedly transporting illegal immigrants using two vehicles in Bukit Kayu Hitam recently.
Adzli said the current modus operandi involved migrants arriving by sea around Kuala Kedah and other identified coastal areas with assistance from local fishermen, travelling in smaller groups using two or three boats.
“The former police officer and his accomplice, who were civilians, transported this group of illegal immigrants. We intercepted the lorry at the Hutan Kampung Toll Plaza and we will not compromise with anyone,” he said.
He added that while land routes involving illegal crossings through jungle trails in Durian Burung remained a concern, authorities had observed a decline in activity around Bukit Kayu Hitam towards Perlis.
“Sea routes are now being used more frequently, with smaller numbers,” he said.
Meanwhile, Adzli said crime involving Myanmar nationals, including Rohingya individuals, in Kedah had increased significantly since last year, with most cases involving violent offences among members of the same community.
He said police recorded 39 criminal cases involving the foreign nationals during the first six months of this year, compared with 65 cases recorded throughout last year. - July 15, 2026
