GOF arrests 55 suspected human smugglers in Kelantan

KOTA BARU: The General Operations Force (GOF) has arrested 55 suspected tekong darat (human smugglers), including six women, allegedly behind migrant smuggling along the Kelantan border since last year.

GOF Southeast Brigade commander Datuk Ahmad Radzi Hussain said 35 were arrested last year and another 20 this year.

Radzi said those arrested comprised 49 men and six women, including citizens of Thailand, Bangladesh, Myanmar and Pakistan.

He said the GOF was targeting not only undocumented migrants entering the country illegally but also the smugglers and networks managing their entry.

"This is important to ensure smuggling activities are disrupted at the network level," he said when contacted.

Radzi said integrated operations along the border would be intensified to curb human smuggling, as syndicates were becoming increasingly brazen and had allegedly threatened villagers.

Asked about claims that syndicates had threatened residents with firearms, Radzi said they were becoming more cunning and willing to take risks, particularly as enforcement along smuggling routes was tightened and many illegal jetties had been closed.

He said the GOF took seriously recent claims by residents along the Kelantan coast that they had been threatened with a pistol after encountering individuals believed to be linked to human smuggling.

However, the allegations had yet to be verified, as the police had not received an official report from the residents.

"We do not want to confirm the use or possession of firearms by syndicates without valid evidence. Any allegations will be examined and investigated based on the information and evidence obtained," he said.

Radzi also reminded GOF personnel to prioritise safety, act in accordance with the law and remain alert to threats.

Yesterday, media reports quoted residents along the Kelantan coast as claiming they had been threatened with firearms by individuals believed to be involved in human smuggling syndicates to prevent them from exposing the illegal activities.

The allegations have raised concern among local communities, amid claims that undocumented migrants were brought ashore almost every night through rivers, jetties and secluded coastal areas.

A local resident identified only as Hamidi, 42, was reported as saying the activities occurred frequently, with individuals suspected of involvement in smuggling and those believed to be acting as lookouts, or "tonto", allegedly operating in the area.