SEREMBAN – Syndicates involved in smuggling migrants into the country are known to use sentiments of “kita serumpun” (“we share the same roots”) to persuade local people to help them harbour illegal immigrants, said Melaka and Negri Sembilan Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) director Haris Fadzillah Abdullah.
He said the syndicates would enlist local people to help take these migrants to locations and provide rented accommodations to house them.
“Sometimes skippers and fishermen approached by the syndicates are unaware they are being used,” he said during an interview on the Negerifm radio station here today.
He said the locals would be given cash for fuel or coffee in return for their help, without them realising they were helping criminals harbour illegal immigrants.
Haris said the public should be more alert and should seek clarification before offering any help to syndicates.
He said the close distance between the waters of the Straits of Melaka and neighbouring countries, about 40 minutes away, also contributed to the smuggling of migrants into Negri Sembilan.
“The distance between our waters and Indonesian waters is quite short, so these irresponsible people can carry out the smuggling process quickly,” he said.
He said MMEA is cooperating with enforcement personnel from neighbouring countries to combat this crime, including with the Indonesian Maritime Security Agency and the Indonesian Navy. – Bernama, June 29, 2021
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