Lumut: The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA), in collaboration with the General Operations Force (GOF), thwarted an attempt to smuggle 34 illegal immigrants into the country by sea near Lumut early yesterday morning.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Perak Maritime director Captain Mohamad Shukri Khotob stated that the joint operation, which began on Saturday, involved two MMEA assets, KM Nusa and Bot Penggalang 1639. These assets were tasked with patrolling, detecting, and intercepting a boat suspected of carrying illegal immigrants.

He further explained that at 4.20 am yesterday, Bot Penggalang 1639 detected a boat believed to have originated from Indonesia and suspected of carrying illegal immigrants. The boat was heading towards Teluk Frigi Beach under the cover of darkness.

"Upon realising the presence of enforcement assets, the boat sped towards the shore before landing in the area. A GOF ground team stationed there acted swiftly and successfully detained the 34 illegal immigrants at 5 am," he said in a statement today.

Mohamad Shukri added that the group comprised 22 men and 12 women, who were subsequently handed over to the GOF for further action in accordance with the law.

He highlighted that the success of the operation demonstrated the effectiveness of joint enforcement efforts between the MMEA and GOF in curbing attempts by illegal immigrants to enter the country and preventing cross-border activities via sea routes.

"The MMEA remains committed to strengthening enforcement and surveillance in national waters to curb illegal cross-border activities, including migrant smuggling and the entry of illegal immigrants by sea," he said.