21 April 2026 – Eight Myanmar nationals, including seven passengers and a Chin ethnic driver acting as a smuggling agent, were detained during a 4:00 am roadblock in Lalang Pepuyu, Kelantan, for lacking valid travel documents.
Investigations revealed the driver was paid 300 Malaysian ringgits per passenger, conducting three to four trips monthly under instructions received via WhatsApp from a contact in Kuala Lumpur.
The group was traveling from Kota Bharu toward Kuala Lumpur and Gua Musang.
Police from PGA Battalion 9 seized a Perodua Bezza and three mobile phones, with a total estimated value of 48,500 ringgits. The detainees are being investigated under the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Act 2007 and the Immigration Act 1959/63.
This migration comes as conflict intensifies in Myanmar’s Chin State, where escalating military offensives and widespread aerial bombings have forced many civilians to seek refuge abroad via dangerous smuggling routes.
Malaysian authorities have reaffirmed their commitment to intensifying border patrols to curb such illegal operations. – Reporting by Daniel
