PADANG BESAR: The Anti-Smuggling Unit (UPP) in Padang Besar apprehended 53 illegal immigrants believed to be from Bangladesh and Myanmar who entered the country through the Malaysia-Thailand border fence here the other day.
According to Perlis UPP commander, DSP Syed Basri Syed Ali, the illegal immigrants aged between 5 months and 40 years were arrested in Felcra Lubuk Sireh and Felda Mata Air, from 9.15pm to 11.30pm last night.
He said the illegal immigrants comprised 13 Bangladeshi males and 40 Myanmar nationals – 26 men, six women, five boys, a girl, and two male infants.
“UPP believes this group of immigrants were brought in by the smuggler by climbing the security fence at night and they split into groups to make it difficult for the authorities (to trace).”
He said the UPP had taken measures to tighten up border control, following intelligence received that there were many more refugees who were expected to enter Malaysia through the Malaysia-Thailand border.
