By Aida Aziz
Photo polis
IPOH: A total of 60 illegal immigrants were arrested in a raid in an oil palm plantation area near Bagan Sungai Tiang Darat, Selekoh, Bagan Datuk early yesterday morning.
According to Perak State Police Chief, Datuk Seri Mohd Yusri Hassan Basri, the arrest was based on information from the public reporting a suspicious boat stranded in that area.
He said the 60 individuals consisted of 40 men and 20 women believed to be from Indonesia, aged between 20 and 64 years.
“On December 28 around 3:45 am, the police received information from the public about a suspicious boat, stranded, believed to be carrying foreigners.
“Acting on the received information, the Criminal Investigation Division of the Hilir Perak District Police Headquarters and members from Rungkup Police Station, assisted by the 3rd Battalion of the Bidor General Operations Force and the Marine Police from Kampung Acheh, moved to the boat’s location.
“Upon inspection, it was found that there were no foreigners inside the boat.
“Further inspection in the nearby oil palm plantation area led to the discovery of 40 adult men and 20 women believed to be Indonesian citizens.
“The boat was believed to be on its way to Tanjung Balai, Indonesia but became stranded due to engine failure,” he said in a statement here yesterday.
Meanwhile, Mohd Yusri stated that two local men, aged around 38 and 63, who were driving two cars were also arrested on suspicion of transporting illegal immigrants to be sent back to Indonesia.
“All arrests and seizures have been taken back to the Hilir Perak District Police Headquarters for further action,” he said.
In this regard, he said the case is being investigated under Section 55E of the Immigration Act 1959/63 and Section 6 (1) (c) of the Immigration Act 1959/63.
He added that the success was a result of continuous cooperation between the community and enforcement agencies, especially the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM).
