Undocumented migrants pay syndicates up to RM15,000 to enter Malaysia

KOTA BHARU: Migrants entering Malaysia through illegal jetties or sea routes may be required to pay syndicates anywhere from RM5,000 to RM15,000, according to Southeast Brigade General Operations Force commander Datuk Ahmad Radzi Hussain. The exact fee depends on the migrants' countries of origin and intended destinations. In 2023, some undocumented migrants reportedly paid between RM5,000 and RM15,000 to agents for assistance with their journey into Malaysia.

However, the cost is not fixed and varies based on the route, destination, and services provided by the smuggling syndicates, Radzi explained. At least seven illegal jetties along the Golok River have been identified as entry points for undocumented migrants, including Pangkalan Haram Azizah, Parking, Pak Antah, MCA, Kuala Senggeng, Kedap, and Perdah.

This indicates that migrant smugglers do not rely on a single route but rather utilize multiple illegal jetties to evade authorities. When one landing point is under increased scrutiny, tighter control, surveillance, or a raid, the smugglers swiftly switch to alternative routes, which can include hidden trails, plantations, village roads, Kasban roads, and riverbanks.

Radzi highlighted the difficulties in combating migrant smuggling due to the vast and intricate border terrain, as well as the long, open stretch of the Golok River. The presence of numerous small rivers, forested areas, hidden trails, and numerous illegal routes along the border further complicates surveillance efforts. Additionally, Radzi emphasized that the smugglers constantly modify their modus operandi, swiftly transitioning to new routes, including sea routes and smaller rivers, when one method is tightly controlled.