The illegal immigrants foiled from entering Sabah near Kudat.
KOTA KINABALU (Nov 2): The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) foiled an attempt by a group of illegal immigrants to enter the state using an illegal route near Kudat on Saturday.
In the incident that occurred about eight nautical miles northwest of Tanjung Simpang Mengayau, the boat was detected through the Sabah Sea Surveillance System before a Kudat Maritime Zone asset was deployed to the location for inspection.
Kudat Maritime Zone Director Maritime Commander Hasbullah Omar said the inspection found that the boat had no registration number and all ten passengers failed to produce valid identification documents.
“They are suspected of attempting to slip into the country’s waters using an illegal route. The swift action of the operation team successfully foiled the attempt,” he said in a statement on Sunday.
Hasbullah said all the illegal immigrants were detained for further investigation under the Immigration Act 1959/63 and the Passport Act 1966.
He added that the agency will continue to strengthen patrols and enforcement in national waters, particularly in Sabah’s maritime border areas, to curb smuggling activities and illegal entry.
Hasbullah also reminded the public not to collude with or protect anyone involved in maritime crimes and urged them to report any related information to the Kudat Maritime Zone Operations Centre at 088-611858 or the emergency line 999 for immediate action.
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