KUALA LUMPUR, February 8 — Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail today revealed that preliminary investigations into the maritime incident on January 24, involving Indonesian nationals, suggest potential links to illegal activities, including drug and arms smuggling.
The incident, which unfolded near Pulau Carey, began when the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) attempted to intercept a suspicious vessel, which failed to respond to warnings and attempted to ram the MMEA vessel, Penggalang 31. The investigation, which falls under the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Act 2007 (Atipsom), has led to the arrest of one suspect identified as the “transporter,” believed to have facilitated the illegal entry of individuals into Malaysia.
While the focus is on migrant smuggling, Saifuddin did not rule out the possibility of further investigations into drug and arms trafficking. The incident, which resulted in the death of one Indonesian national and the injury of four others, has sparked diplomatic tension, with Indonesia calling for an inquiry into the use of excessive force by the MMEA.
