Kuala lumpur: A man suspected to be a tekong darat (ground handler of smuggling activities) and two illegal Bangladeshi nationals were seriously injured after the car they were in skidded while trying to escape from being apprehended by the police near Jalan Bukit Cermin, Kampung Sungai Rual in Jeli today.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, General Operations Force (GOF) Southeast Brigade Commander SAC Ahmad Radzi Hussain stated that the incident occurred at around 7.30 am when a team of officers and members from the Intelligence Branch of the GOF 7th Battalion were conducting surveillance operations. They detected a suspicious red Proton Saga car on the East-West Highway, which prompted a chase.

The 21-year-old driver, upon realizing that he was being followed by the GOF team, reportedly sped up before losing control and veering off the road, ultimately landing in a ditch. The vehicle inspection revealed nine individuals, including a local man believed to be the driver and eight Bangladeshi men, aged between 20 and 40 years.

Six of the Bangladeshi men sustained minor injuries, while the driver, referred to as the skipper, and two other Bangladeshi men were seriously injured. All injured parties were transported to Jeli Hospital for further treatment.

Further inspection of the vehicle uncovered 10 pills believed to be Yaba drugs. The case is being investigated under Section 12(2) of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952. The locally registered Proton Saga car was seized as part of the investigation.

Officials highlighted that cases involving the smuggling of illegal immigrants can be investigated under Section 26J of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Act 2007 (ATIPSOM) or Section 55E of the Immigration Act 1959/63. Additionally, the foreign nationals involved may face investigations under Section 6(1)(c) of the Immigration Act 1959/63 for entering and residing in Malaysia without a valid pass or permit.