On August 19, 2024, Malaysian authorities arrested 46 Myanmar nationals, including 16 women, during raids in Negeri Sembilan and Selangor. The arrests were made in connection with suspected migrant smuggling and illegal travel documentation.
The Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department reported that 31 individuals were detained in a flat in Mantin, Negeri Sembilan at 11 PM, while 15 were apprehended in a terrace house in Meru, Klang, Selangor at 5 AM the following day. Among the arrested, six suspects, including one woman, were identified as caretakers of transit houses, agents preparing homes, and transporters involved in the smuggling operations.
These six suspects, aged between 30 and 43, are being investigated under Section 26A of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Act (ATIPSOM) 2007 and the Immigration Act 1959/63. The remaining suspects, comprising 25 men and 15 women, are aged between 22 and 40.
Investigations have revealed that the locations raided were operated by a syndicate known as the Aun syndicate. This group is believed to be involved in smuggling illegal immigrants through an overland route from Myanmar to Thailand and then to Malaysia. The flat in Negeri Sembilan and the terrace house in Selangor were reportedly used to hide illegal immigrants after their entry into the country.
The detained migrants had reportedly paid RM4,000 to agents in Myanmar for their smuggling into Malaysia. They were also asked to pay an additional RM850 to a Myanmar agent for accommodation and protection while they waited to secure employment in Malaysia.