SHAH ALAM, Selangor: The Malaysian Immigration Department (JIM) has crippled a syndicate allegedly involved in dismantling and selling vehicle parts, believed to be masterminded by foreign nationals, with the arrest of 20 suspects in a raid at a premises in Jalan Kapar, Klang, on Wednesday (Aug. 12).
In a statement on Thursday (Aug. 13), JIM said the operations, conducted at 4:30 pm by 24 officers and personnel, resulted in the arrest of 17 Pakistani men, two Indonesian men and an Indonesian woman.
“Preliminary investigations found that the syndicate, masterminded by Pakistani nationals, was involved in dismantling and selling parts from scrap vehicles. They are also believed to be linked to the recent disappearance of a multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) belonging to a funeral management company in Kapar.
“The raid also uncovered the involvement of the Indonesian nationals in providing transit services for illegal immigrants (PATI) waiting to return to their respective countries,” the statement said.
According to JIM, the illegal “transit house” service charged between RM5,000 and RM10,000 per illegal immigrant.
All the suspects have been placed at an Immigration Depot for further investigation under the Immigration Act 1959/63, Passport Act 1966, Immigration Regulations 1963, and Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Act 2007 (ATIPSOM).
JIM said it views seriously the involvement of foreign nationals in organised criminal activities that could threaten public safety and order.
“JIM will continue to strengthen strategic cooperation with relevant enforcement agencies to detect and take firm action against foreign nationals and syndicate networks involved.
“Follow-up measures and continuous monitoring will also be intensified to ensure that such illegal activities do not continue to operate in the surrounding areas,” it said.
The department also warned that stern action would be taken against individuals who harbour or employ illegal immigrants, while reaffirming its commitment to intensifying nationwide operations to safeguard national security and sovereignty. – BERNAMA
