JOHOR BARU – Johor police believe there is a new foreign migrant smuggling network in the state as there have still been attempts to infiltrate state borders, especially in the east coast region.
Chief Datuk Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay said the police are continuously monitoring and follow-up arrests will be made after identifying the mastermind behind the syndicate.
He said that from April until July this year, more than 70 suspects, including skippers, were detained and investigated under the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Act 2007.
“Police, as well as the Malaysian Armed Forces, have been making arrests. All suspects are in jail pending trial, but they may have managed to create a new network to penetrate the state’s entry and exit points. We are monitoring their network,” he told reporters after compliance checks of conditional movement control order rules at the Pandan Wholesale Market here today.
However, Ayob Khan said that there have been no shooting cases involving illegal immigrant smuggling syndicates or contraband in the state, and so far, there have only been attempts by syndicates to hit marine boats, especially around the Sedili and Rengit areas.
Furthermore, he said the police will continue to improve and ensure all General Operations Force personnel in the state are provided with bulletproof vests soon.
On compliance with standard operating procedures (SOPs), Ayob Khan said there are still individuals flouting SOPs by frequenting nightclubs, even though the number of Covid-19 cases has reached three digits in Johor.
Ayob Khan said that among the 10 districts in the state, Tangkak was identified as the one with lowest SOPs compliance.
He said a total of 4,869 individuals in the state were issued with compounds for violating SOPs from March 18 to December 7. – Bernama, December 10, 2020
