KUCHING – A 55-year-old man was sentenced to two years in prison by the High Court here after admitting to transporting two smuggled Indonesian women in April 2025.
Judge Dato’ Faridz Gohim Abdullah delivered the sentence against Padir Mohamad, who faced charges under Section 26J of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants (ATIPSOM) Act 2007. The law provides for a maximum of five years’ imprisonment, a fine of up to RM250,000, or both.
According to the charge, Padir was driving a car carrying two Indonesian nationals when enforcement officers intercepted the vehicle at the KM45 junction, Stungkor Baru in Lundu, at around 3.45pm on 15 April 2025.
The operation, known as Ops Serkap, was conducted by enforcement teams targeting migrant smuggling activities.
Investigations revealed that the two women, identified as Sri Wahyuni and Fitriani, both aged 23, were travelling without proper documentation.
Sri Wahyuni was found to have previously entered Malaysia through the Biawak entry point on 1 September 2023.
She was later charged under Section 15(1)(c) of the Immigration Act 1959/63 for overstaying in the country.
Fitriani, meanwhile, had no record of entry into Malaysia. She was charged under Section 6(1)(c) of the Immigration Act 1959/63 for entering and residing in Malaysia without valid travel documents. Both women pleaded guilty and were sentenced accordingly.
Padir’s arrest highlights the ongoing challenge of migrant smuggling in Sarawak, particularly along border areas such as Lundu.
Authorities have intensified enforcement operations to curb illegal entry and protect vulnerable individuals from exploitation.
The prosecution was led by Deputy Public Prosecutor Kong Siew Chuo, while Padir was represented by lawyer Abdul Rahman Mohamad Hazmi.
The case underscores the government’s commitment to enforcing immigration laws and deterring smuggling activities that threaten national security and public safety.
Ops Serkap is part of wider enforcement measures aimed at dismantling smuggling networks and ensuring compliance with immigration regulations.
Officials have reiterated that strict action will continue against offenders, including drivers and facilitators involved in transporting undocumented migrants.
The sentencing serves as a reminder of the serious consequences of migrant smuggling, with authorities stressing that such offences not only breach the law but also endanger lives and undermine border security.
