Marine police thwarted a smuggling attempt off Tanjung Pelepas, saving 10 undocumented migrants after a dramatic sea chase.

A routine marine patrol turned into a high-stakes rescue early Thursday morning when Johor’s Marine Police foiled a migrant smuggling attempt off Tanjung Pelepas, resulting in all 10 migrants being saved after their boat capsized during a pursuit.

Dramatic Pre-Dawn Chase In Johor Waters

At around 3 a.m., Marine Police Region Two officers, conducting Ops Taring Gelora, spotted a suspicious boat about three nautical miles off the coast of Tanjung Pelepas. When patrol boat PC 4 attempted to intercept the vessel, the suspects tried to flee, sparking a chase that ended with the migrant boat ramming the police craft and capsizing.

10 Migrants Rescued, Including Suspected Skippers

According to Johor police chief Datuk Ab Rahaman Arsad, all 10 passengers — nine Indonesians and one Rohingya national aged between 21 and 48 — were thrown into the sea but quickly rescued by Marine Police personnel. The group was taken to the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency jetty in Tanjung Kupang before being transferred to Sultanah Aminah Hospital in Johor Bahru for medical evaluation.

Investigations Reveal Smuggling Attempt

Initial investigations showed the group lacked valid travel documents. Two individuals are suspected of being “land and sea skippers” responsible for coordinating the illegal entry. Authorities seized a 6.4-meter (21-foot) fibreglass boat and a 40-horsepower Suzuki outboard engine, estimated to be worth RM25,500 (approximately SGD 7,000).

Multiple Charges Under Malaysian Law

The case is being investigated under several laws, including:

• Section 26A of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Act 2007 (Act 670) for migrant smuggling.
• Section 6(1)(c) of the Immigration Act 1959/63 for lacking valid travel documents.
• Sections 338 and 186 of the Penal Code for causing grievous hurt through negligence and obstructing public officers.

Police Reaffirm Zero-Tolerance Policy

Ab Rahaman emphasized that Johor police remain vigilant and uncompromising toward any parties involved in human smuggling or related criminal activities. He urged the public to report suspicious activities via the Johor Police Hotline at 019-2792095 or Operations Room at 07-2212999 to help maintain maritime safety and security.

Regional Relevance

The incident underscores the persistent challenge of maritime smuggling between Malaysia, Indonesia, and nearby regions such as Singapore. While rescue efforts saved all involved, the case highlights the ongoing risks faced by undocumented migrants seeking illegal entry across the busy southern maritime corridor.

This foiled smuggling attempt reaffirms Malaysia’s commitment to tightening maritime borders and protecting regional waters from illegal entry. For Indonesians and Singaporeans, it serves as a stark reminder of the shared responsibility to combat human trafficking networks that endanger lives and strain cross-border relations.

Sources: Bernama (2025) , Free Malaysia Today (2025)

Keywords: Johor Waters, Migrant Smuggling, Marine Police, Tanjung Pelepas, Illegal Immigration, Rescue Operation