Inp.polri.go.id - Pekanbaru. Immigration authorities in Dumai, Riau detained 26 foreigners attempting to cross illegally into Malaysia through unofficial routes. 

The group consisted of 17 people from Myanmar and nine from Bangladesh.

The operation, carried out by Dumai’s Immigration Office, followed public reports of suspicious activity. Security teams intercepted 24 foreigners along Pelintung Beach in Medang Kampai District, while two others were handed over by local police, said Immigration Chief Ricky Rachmawan on Saturday (7/12/2024).

Investigations revealed that the Bangladeshi nationals entered Indonesia on tourist visas through Soekarno-Hatta International Airport but intended to continue their journey illegally to Malaysia.

Riau Immigration Head Budi Argap praised the collaborative efforts of local authorities in preventing the smuggling attempt. 

Border regions near Malaysia and Singapore are hotspots for illegal activities. We urge residents and fishermen to promptly report suspicious behavior," he said, as quoted by antaranews.com.

Efforts are underway to map  routes commonly used for smuggling, locally known as jalan tikus (literally rat routes). Enhanced patrols in the Malacca Strait, supported by the new Pura Ksatria Selat Panjang patrol vessel, aim to strengthen border security and deter future violations.

(mg/inp/pr/nm)