334 undocumented migrants detected in Kelantan waters since 2023
KOTA BARU: The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) has recorded 45 cases involving 334 undocumented migrants in Kelantan waters between January 2023 and October this year.
The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) has recorded 334 undocumented migrants in Kelantan waters since January 2023, with 11 cases involving 189 people detected so far this year. Myanmar nationals accounted for the highest number of detainees, followed by Vietnamese and Thai nationals. MMEA deputy director-general Maritime Vice-Admiral Mohd Zawawi Abdullah emphasized that migrant smuggling remains a serious threat requiring consistent and risk-based enforcement, especially in border areas and known high-risk routes.
During Op Redback 23/2026, a strategic collaboration between MMEA and the Australian Border Force, the agency deployed five assets to conduct patrols and surveillance in designated operational sectors, resulting in the detention of three foreigners near the Kelantan River.
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