Malaysia tightens security to curb illegal emigration

Friday, 10 September 2010

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Surveillance, Transport Security

By Kelly Ng | 10 June 2009

Malaysia is tightening coastal security in a bid to curb rising numbers of people fleeing the country illegally.

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According to Mahmood Adam, Home Ministry Secretary-General, there is an increasing number of people who are trying to leave the country and sneak into Indonesia illegally by sea. Officials guess that many are eventually heading for Australia to seek refuge.

The marine police has captured four boats since March, with 114 immigrants from Indonesia, 58 from Afghanistan, 37 from Pakistan and three from Iraq.

Since an illegal boat sank in March, the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency has stepped up surveillance and patrol measures. Boats, helicopters and other surveillance aircraft have been deployed to police the peninsular coastline and officers have been gathering intelligence from local fishermen.

Mahmood revealed that among those arrested, several are attempting to escape the war in Afghanistan and Pakistan. Others are Indonesians who are illegal workers and have overstayed their tourist visas. Those arrested will be jailed up to six months before being deported.

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