Inp.polri.go.id - Banda Aceh.  The  East Aceh Sub-regional Police has been intensifying surveillance along the coastal areas and waters of the Malacca Strait to prevent the entry of Rohingya refugees into the region. East Aceh Police Chief Superintendent Andy Rahmansyah said  on Tuesday  (21/11/2023) that the increased vigilance followed the arrival of 36 Rohingya refugees in the area, antaranews.com reported. "The police are conducting 24-hour patrols to prevent Rohingya immigrants from entering East Aceh. This measure was taken after 36 Rohingya immigrants landed at Madat Beach," he explained. In addition to the patrols, the police have requested the local marine commanders, village officials, fishermen and coastal communities s to inform the police immediately if they observe the arrival of Rohingya immigrants. "We request that if the community sees and knows about the presence of Rohingya immigrants at sea, they should immediately report it to the nearest police station, either the district police or sub-district police," Chief Andy said. He added that the increased patrols were not only aimed at preventing the entry of undocumented migrants, but also at thwarting other illegal activities, such as the smuggling of prohibited goods. "This increase in police surveillance is to protect the interests and safety of the community within the jurisdiction of the Aceh Timur Regional Police," Chief Andy asserted. Earlier on Sunday (19/11), 36 Rohingya migrants were caught on a tarpaulin-covered truck in the coastal area of Madat sub-district, Aceh Timur regency. The dozens of illegal immigrants, comprising 14 men, 15 women and seven children, were then taken to the Idi Sport Centre (ISC) in Idi Rayeuk, East Aceh Regency. (mg/inp/pr/nm)