SANDAKAN: The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) detained 4,107 migrants and 316 smugglers under the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Act 2007 (ATIPSOM) so far this year.
MMEA Deputy Director General of Operations, Admiral Mohd Zawawi Abdullah, said migrant smuggling syndicates remain active due to Malaysia’s strategic location. Myanmar nationals made up the highest number of detained migrants (1,932), followed by Indonesia (1,727) and the Philippines (180).
He was speaking at the closing ceremony of Operation Redback 22/2026, conducted jointly with the Australian Border Force (ABF) from May 18–22 in Sandakan waters.
Also present were Sabah and Labuan MMEA Director First Admiral Mohd Khairulanuar, ESSCOM Naval Operations Chief First Admiral Abdul Razak, MMEA Sandakan Zone Director Kepten Muhamad Suhairy, and ABF Counsellor to Malaysia Superintendent Brooke Leung.
Separately, eight investigation papers were opened this year, leading to the arrest of 19 smugglers — including 13 Indonesians, three Myanmar nationals, two Thais, and one Malaysian — and the rescue or detention of 233 migrants, among them 184 Indonesians, 46 Myanmar nationals, and three Bangladeshis.
During the operation, authorities seized 27 boxes of cooking oil at the Kampung Pukat jetty on May 21 for violating Control of Supplies Act 1961. Enforcement will continue through intelligence-sharing, patrols, and international cooperation. – James Leong
MMEA and ABF personnel involved in Operation Redback 22/2026 in Sandakan waters.
