PONTIAN: Two Indonesian men were nabbed in their attempt to enter the country illegally via an uncharted sea route in Pontian on Friday (Sept 12) at 12.30am.
Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) Johor acting director Capt Maritime Kama Azri Kamal said the duo were arrested at 2.3 nautical miles (4.25km) southwest of Tanjung Piai.
“We detected a fibre boat without registration numbers heading towards Tanjung Piai from Karimun Island at the Indonesian border,” he said in a statement.
Capt Maritime Kama Azri said the agency immediately deployed its patrol boat Perkasa 43, and they managed to intercept the fibre boat.
“The two suspects, aged 38 and 51, did not possess valid travel documents,” he said.
The case is being investigated under the Immigration Act 1959/63 f(Act 155) for entering the country without any valid pass or permit.
Capt Maritime Kama Azri said MMEA will continue enforcement in Johor waters and will not compromise with any party that violates the country’s laws.
“Our routine operations such as this will ensure our waters are free from smuggling activities and illegal immigrants trying to sneak into the country,” he said.
He also called upon those who have information on crime-related and suspicious activities taking place off Johor waters to contact the Emergency Line 999 or Johor Maritime Operations Centre at 07-2199401.
