Perlis police identify 22 smuggling hotspots and reveal syndicates using drones and surveillance vehicles to evade border detection
PERLIS: Police are intensifying border controls to combat human trafficking and migrant smuggling activities.
State police chief Datuk Muhammad Abdul Halim said most illegal migrants enter via land routes rather than sea due to Perlis’ small size and accessible road network.
“Although smuggling activities still take place, they are now more under control through coordinated efforts between PDRM and other agencies,” he told reporters after a town hall session at Kompleks Kerajaan Negeri.
He confirmed security at both land and sea borders remains a top priority for authorities.
Police have identified 22 hotspot areas and rat trails commonly used for migrant smuggling operations throughout the state.
Muhammad revealed smuggling syndicates have adopted more organised tactics including surveillance vehicles and drones to avoid detection.
“Drones are used to monitor the area from the border all the way to the point where migrants are handed over to transporters,” he explained.
CCTV cameras installed in fenced border areas assist enforcement efforts against these evolving tactics.
A total of 33 cases under the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Act 2007 were recorded in Perlis from 2024 to October.
This includes 22 cases recorded last year and 11 cases up to last October. – Bernama
