22 Indonesians Detained for Entering Malaysia Illegally

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Indonesian Embassy in Kuala Lumpur is seeking confirmation from local authorities about the 22 Indonesians detained for entering Malaysia illegally.

"We are confirming to the authorities about the detention of Indonesian citizens who entered by sea illegally," the embassy's coordinator of information, social and cultural functions, Yoshi Iskandar, said when contacted in Kuala Lumpur, Sunday, February 13.

Yoshi said that they will coordinate with authorities in Malaysia and Indonesia, and request consular access to check on the conditions of the 22 Indonesians.

The Malaysian Marine Police Force (PPM) detained 22 illegal immigrants on a boat in the waters of Sungai Buloh, Selangor, Saturday night. They were taken after the boat experienced engine failure.

According to the PPM Commander of Pulau Pinang, Adj. Comr. Shamsol Kassim, the operation was executed following information about a boat that was smuggling migrants.

The people detained were between the age of 20 and 53, comprising 22 men and three women. None of them had valid travel documents.

The PPM also detained the boat's captain and two crew members for investigative purposes.

The illegal immigrants were taken to the Marine Base to be documented before being handed over to Criminal Investigation Officers (JSJ) of the Kuala Selangor Regional Police Office (IPD).

Based on preliminary information, the immigrants paid agents in Indonesia between RM1,200 and RM1,500 (Rp4.1mn–Rp5.12mn) per person to enter Malaysia.

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ANTARA