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In a sweeping anti-smuggling operation along the Malaysia–Thailand border, authorities have detained 641 undocumented migrants in the first half of the year, including 73 Bangladeshis.
The arrests were made under a special operation titled “Op Taring Wawasan Kelantan,” conducted by the Southeast Brigade of the General Operations Force.
Brigade commander Ahmad Rajji Hussein confirmed the figures, stating that those detained include 507 men and 134 women from 10 different countries.
Myanmar nationals made up the largest group with 428 detainees. Others included 73 Bangladeshis, 39 Indonesians, 38 Thais, 21 Chinese, 19 Indians, 16 Nepalis, four Vietnamese, two Pakistanis and one Nigerian.
The operation, carried out between January and June, targeted high-risk border routes frequently used by trafficking networks. Despite smugglers attempting to move migrants in small groups to evade detection, officials said security forces remained vigilant and capable of intercepting them.
Hussein noted that enhanced intelligence surveillance and continuous patrols have been key to preventing illegal crossings. Legal proceedings against those detained are currently underway, according to reports from Bernama.