Myanmar man gets 6 years’ jail for smuggling illegal immigrants into Malaysia

A Myanmar man received a six-year prison sentence for smuggling six of his fellow countrymen into Malaysia, according to the Kota Bharu High Court. Judicial Commissioner Shamsul Bahrin Abdul Manaf emphasized that migrant smuggling is not merely an immigration offense but poses a significant threat to the country's border security and national stability.

Myo Aung, the convicted 26-year-old, pleaded guilty to the charge after being apprehended on October 26, 2024, at approximately 5:20 AM. Six Myanmar nationals, including one woman and five men, were found inside a Perodua Aruz vehicle without valid travel documents. The judge noted that the deliberate and coordinated nature of the migrants' movement was evident in their journey from Thailand, across a river, and eventually arriving in Paloh, Gua Musang.

Shamsul highlighted that Parliament had recently increased the maximum jail term for migrant smuggling from 15 years to 20 years under Section 26A of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Act 2007. Despite Myo Aung being a first-time offender, the judge maintained that the sentencing trend should not be substantially altered, considering factors such as deterrence, public interest, and security concerns.

The court ordered the forfeiture of the seized vehicle and two mobile phones to the government, with the six-year sentence commencing from Myo Aung's date of arrest.