Malaysia Maritime Enforcement Agency detains 27 migrants in Perlis

The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (Maritim Malaysia) intercepted 27 undocumented migrants after their fiberglass boat ran aground in the shallow waters of Pantai Kurung Tengar, Kuala Perlis. The incident occurred during low tide, approximately 0.7 nautical miles from the coast.

The detainees, aged between 14 and 42, include 21 Bangladeshis, four Myanmar nationals, and two Thais. Authorities also apprehended one local Malaysian citizen believed to be part of the boat's crew. During the enforcement operation, the suspects attempted to flee toward land on foot but were successfully detained.

Investigators seized an unregistered fiberglass boat and other items valued at approximately RM150,000. The case is being investigated under the Immigration Act 1959/63 and the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Act 2007 (ATIPSOM). Officials noted that syndicates frequently target the Perlis coastline for landings due to high demand for foreign labor in Malaysia.