KUCHING, 19 Feb: Four immigration officers were arrested in Bintulu on suspicion of being involved in a human smuggling syndicate.
Immigration Department director-general Datuk Seri Khairul Dzaimee Daud said that the syndicate arranged the movement of foreigners who have been blacklisted with the help of immigration officers.
“A total of 33 foreigners were arrested during the inspection of two buses carried out in the city of Bintulu.
“The syndicate manages 30 to 40 people for each admission.
“The immigration officer will place a security stamp on the foreigner’s passport to ensure their safe journey to their destination,” he said in a statement shared by the Malaysian Immigration Department’s official Facebook page today.
Khairul added, foreigners who have received this security stamp will then be taken to transit houses before going to the airport.
He said they will continue their journey to Peninsular Malaysia through domestic routes.
“This syndicate began operating almost eight months ago, which is when the country’s border gates were opened.
“Foreigners who want to enter Malaysia are charged around RM5,000 to RM6,000 per person to the syndicate.
“This syndicate is believed to make a profit of around RM80,000 a month,” said Khairul. — DayakDaily
