KOTA BHARU: Undocumented migrants smuggled into Malaysia through illegal jetties or sea routes are believed to pay syndicates between RM5,000 and RM15,000 each.
Southeast Brigade General Operations Force commander Datuk Ahmad Radzi Hussain said the fees depended on the migrants’ countries of origin and intended destinations.
“Based on cases reported this year, some undocumented migrants paid between RM5,000 and RM15,000 to agents to arrange their journey into Malaysia.
“However, this is not a fixed rate, as the actual amount depends on the route, destination and services provided by the syndicates,” he said when contacted.
Radzi said at least seven illegal jetties along the Golok River were identified as entry points for undocumented migrants.
They include Pangkalan Haram Azizah, Parking, Pak Antah, MCA, Kuala Senggeng, Kedap and Perdah.
“The number shows that migrant smuggling syndicates do not rely on a single route but use several illegal jetties simultaneously to evade the authorities.
“When one landing point comes under tighter control, surveillance or a raid, the syndicates quickly switch to alternative routes, including hidden trails, plantations, village roads, Kasban roads and riverbanks,” he said.
He said one of the main challenges in tackling migrant smuggling was the vast and complex border terrain, as well as the long and open stretch of the Golok River.
The presence of small rivers, forested areas, hidden trails and numerous illegal routes along the border also made surveillance difficult.
He added that hundreds of illegal jetties and alternative routes along the Kelantan border needed to be monitored by the authorities.
“Another challenge is the syndicates’ constantly changing modus operandi. When one route comes under tighter control, they look for new ones, including sea routes and smaller rivers,” he said.