Penang identified as a major transit hub for migrant and drug smuggling due to its strategic location near international waters and Indonesia.
GEORGE TOWN: Penang has been identified as a primary transit point for cross-border criminal activities, including migrant and drug smuggling.
Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency acting deputy director-general Rear Admiral Mohd Zawawi Abdullah said the state’s proximity to international waters and Indonesia makes it an ideal gateway for illegal operations.
“Based on our intelligence gathering and operations, we found that there have been several cases of migrant smuggling using the Penang waters as the main choice of route by syndicates,” he said.
He revealed this after signing a memorandum of understanding with the Australian Border Force to enhance cooperation against cross-border crimes.
Mohd Zawawi identified several key entry routes including waters off Balik Pulau, Kuala Muda and Nibong Tebal.
He explained that syndicates prefer landing on the mainland to avoid stringent controls on the island.
“If given a choice, the syndicates prefer to go straight to the mainland because if the landing point is near an island, they may face various obstacles, including enforcement agency inspections,” he said.
The MMEA plans to acquire more high-capability assets, such as bigger boats, to address cross-border crimes and Indonesian fishing boat encroachments.
The agency also intends to enhance control at all strategic routes to prevent syndicates from using Penang as a transit point.
