POLICE in Kelantan have revealed that migrant smugglers operating along the state’s borders are paid as little as RM150 to RM500 per person, a relatively small sum that authorities say continues to lure individuals into serious organised crime.
Kelantan Police Chief Datuk Mohd Yusoff Mamat said migrants, most of whom are from Myanmar, are typically collected at border areas before being housed temporarily at designated locations.
They are later transported to destinations requested by syndicates, including as far as the Klang Valley, using vehicles provided by the criminal networks.
Since January until last month, police have arrested 70 drivers or “tekong” and detained 332 migrants, with 47 vehicles, including cars and buses, seized during enforcement operations.
All cases are being investigated under Sections 26A and 26J of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Act 2007.
“For cases involving the harbouring of migrants under Section 55E of the Immigration Act 1959/63, a total of 53 individuals acting as protectors and 214 migrants were arrested, and 36 vehicles including lorries were seized,” he said.
Mohd Yusoff added that for cross-border offences investigated under Section 5(2) of the Immigration Act 1959/63, police detained 150 individuals, of whom 104 were local citizens.
He was speaking at a press conference after attending the monthly assembly at the Kelantan Police Contingent Headquarters.
Mohd Yusoff said most individuals who become drivers for migrant smuggling syndicates come from the B40 income group, drawn by payments of up to RM500 per migrant.
“I remind those who act as drivers to stop committing these crimes because once arrested, the payment received is not worth the punishment,” he said.
“The penalty for drivers charged under Sections 26A and 26J of the ATIPSOM Act includes imprisonment of up to 20 years and fines. The punishment is not commensurate with the money earned, and I hope those involved will stop and repent,” he added. - December 18, 2025
