Melaka – Malaysian Maritime authorities successfully detained a scuttling boat carrying 20 illegal immigrants (PATI) in the waters off Tanjung Kling last night.
According to Maritime Captain Salehuddin bin Zakaria, Director of Maritime Affairs for the states of Melaka and Negeri Sembilan, the operation was initiated following a report from the Klang Vessel Traffic System (VTS) via the merchant ship VIKING EMERALD. The report was relayed to the Maritime Search and Rescue Coordination Centre (MRSC) Johor Bahru.
A Malaysian Maritime Patrol Boat, operating under Op Patkor Optima, was immediately deployed to the area. At approximately 9.25pm, authorities intercepted a blue pirate boat drifting about 11 nautical miles southwest of Tanjung Kling.
Inspection revealed that the vessel carried 20 passengers, including 15 men and 5 women, two boys, a captain, and a crew member. Authorities believe all were Indonesian citizens aged between 9 and 45 years. Investigations suggest the boat was en route to Pulau Besar, Melaka, intending to transfer the illegal immigrants to a local vessel when both outboard engines malfunctioned.
The detained boat and its passengers were subsequently towed to the Melaka and Negeri Sembilan State Maritime Jetty and handed over to the Investigating Officer for further action under the Immigration Act 1959/63 and the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Act (ATIPSOM).
Maritime authorities emphasized the dangers of attempting illegal entry into Malaysia. Many of these immigrants rely on outdated and overcrowded boats lacking safety equipment, putting their lives at serious risk.
Captain Salehuddin urged the public not to be misled by offers circulating on social media platforms such as TikTok and Facebook that promote illegal entry into Malaysia. Most of the detained immigrants were found to have contacted smuggling syndicates via social media advertisements and paid significant sums for the hazardous journey. – Agensi Penguatkuasaan Maritim Malaysia