People smuggling

Human Trafficking: Syndicates Carry On Blithely

Human trafficking syndicates have remained unfazed in the face of heavy punishment as they can reap huge profits from the illegal trade.

It is learnt that they remain active in smuggling immigrants from across the Kelantan-Thailand border on a daily basis.

Sources said the syndicates charged a fee of between RM2,500 and RM3,500 to smuggle in an immigrant from the neighbouring country.

They said the syndicates, whose members were Thais and Malaysians, had continued their activities despite strict enforcement.

“The syndicates are willing to face the risk of arrest because of the profit. From the border, the illegal immigrants will be ferried to destinations such as Kuala Lumpur and Pahang.

“The traffickers will bring in illegal immigrants, mostly from Myanmar and Bangladesh, via Sungai Golok and move along ‘rat routes’ (laluan tikus) before sending them to their next destination in a car or van,” said a source.