Red Raffia Bands Used as Identification Code, 13 Myanmar Migrants Arrested in Kelantan Raid
KOTA BHARU, April 6 — A smuggling syndicate’s use of red raffia bands as an identification code for undocumented migrants has been exposed following the arrest of 13 Myanmar nationals in a raid conducted by the Immigration Department of Malaysia (JIM) in Kelantan.
The operation, carried out at about 9.30am in Kampung Semut Api, resulted in the detention of individuals aged between 19 and 36 who are believed to have recently entered the country illegally.
Kelantan Immigration deputy director Nik Akhtarulhaq Nik Abdul Rahman said the group, consisting of 10 men and three women, was found in a house suspected to be used as a temporary transit point.
He said inspections revealed that all detainees were wearing red raffia bands on their wrists, which are believed to serve as a simple identification system used by traffickers.
“The raffia bands appear to function as a basic code to help syndicates identify and organise migrants before transporting them,” he said.
River Route Still Used by Syndicates
Initial investigations showed that the migrants entered Malaysia at night via boat along the Sungai Kelantan, indicating that river routes remain a preferred method for smuggling operations.
Authorities also confirmed that none of the detainees had valid identification or travel documents.
RM4,500 Paid to Agents
According to Nik Akhtarulhaq, each migrant admitted to paying approximately RM4,500 to agents who arranged their journey from Myanmar to Malaysia.
The payment is believed to cover transportation, transit coordination, and delivery to job locations.
All detainees stated that their intended destination was Ipoh, Perak, where they planned to seek employment.
Waiting for Transport at Time of Raid
At the time of the operation, the group was reportedly waiting for transport to move them to their next destination.
Authorities believe the house was used as a temporary holding point before migrants were transported by land-based traffickers.
Further Investigations Underway
All 13 individuals have been detained under Section 6(1)(c) of the Immigration Act 1959/63.
Authorities are continuing investigations to identify the masterminds and dismantle the trafficking network involved.
The case highlights how syndicates continue to adapt their methods, including using simple identification markers to coordinate illegal movements.
-wilayah.com.my
