Midnight boats fuel fear among islanders in Tumpat [WATCH]

TUMPAT: Residents of 12 small islands off the coast near here are worried after noticing speedboats in the area, believed to be operated by human traffickers.

The boats were suspected of ferrying undocumented migrants from a neighbouring country into Kelantan, often under the cover of darkness.

The residents said the boats posed a risk to fishermen and villagers who frequently commute between the islands, particularly those returning home from work at night.

They claimed that the boat operators were foreigners who were familiar with the landing points along the coast.

A resident in Teluk Renjuna, who wished to be known as "Pak Din", said villagers were aware of the boat movements but preferred not to confront the alleged traffickers.

"However, we are worried about accidentally crossing paths with them, especially because some of these groups are believed to have weapons.

"People here know about their activities, but we choose to keep quiet and hope the authorities will take action as soon as possible.

"We are worried when too many foreigners, including Rohingya, start landing near our homes because it can create problems," the 60-year-old former fisherman said.

The father of five said villagers were also concerned about the possibility of enforcement personnel colluding with the syndicates.

"The smugglers use speedboats at night without proper lighting. If they collide with a local boat, the consequences could be fatal.

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"There was an incident where a smuggler's boat collided with a local boat. They paid compensation, but if someone loses their life, money cannot bring that person back," he said.

Another resident, who wished to be known as Ismail, said island residents could not avoid travelling at night as their working hours were unpredictable.

"People here do not have fixed working hours. Sometimes we finish work late and have to travel home at night.

"So, we are always worried about encountering these boats, especially around Teluk Renjuna, Pantai Haji Nik Mat and Pulau Suri. We are not looking for trouble with them. We are just afraid of an accident because their boats move very fast in the darkness," said the sundry shop owner.

The 37-year-old said residents had become increasingly cautious of the speedboats.

"If someone shines a light at them or accidentally exposes their activities, they may become angry. That is why people prefer to stay away," said Ismail.

Another resident, known as Wan, said the authorities should also investigate the presence of tonto or lookouts believed to be operating around the islands.

"The syndicates know every corner of this area. We hear there are more than 10 landing points to bring in migrants.

"They also have people acting as lookouts. These 'tonto' know the movements of the authorities and the routes in and out of the islands," said the 32-year-old odd-job worker.

The residents said the islands in the area were home to thousands of people whose livelihoods depend on the sea.

They said Teluk Renjuna alone had about 200 fishing families, while the wider island communities included boat operators and workers who frequently travel by boat.

They also claimed that many of the alleged human traffickers were believed to be Thai nationals.

The residents called on the authorities to increase patrols, particularly at night, and to identify the landing points and individuals assisting the syndicates.

The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) acknowledged the potential risks to local boat users.

Kelantan MMEA director Captain Kamal Mohamad said his agency had increased patrols in the area, including from the estuary to inland areas.

He said the enhanced surveillance was aimed at detecting and preventing illegal activities, particularly the movement of undocumented migrants through the state's waters.