KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 2 (Bernama) -- Comprehensive migration management is not only focused on the aspect of repatriation, but also demands effective border control, continuous enforcement, and high capability to detect and prevent illegal entry.
The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) in a statement said that the approach using intelligence-led operations will continue to be strengthened, involving intelligence gathering, monitoring, and early detection before any integrated enforcement actions are carried out at sea.
According to the MMEA, the recent success in thwarting an attempt to smuggle migrants in Kelantan is clear evidence that accurate intelligence can be translated into swift and effective enforcement actions.
"The government's efforts in managing repatriation are now being implemented in stages. At the same time, enforcement continues to be strengthened to curb migrant smuggling activities while protecting the safety of the country's waters," said the statement.
On Tuesday, 1,476 Myanmar refugees were repatriated aboard three Myanmar Navy ships, including a hospital ship, under the Repatriation Programme.
The deportation operation involved detainees from 14 Immigration detention depots across the country, with the highest numbers recorded from the Belantik depot in Kedah and the Tanah Merah depot in Kelantan.
Previously, Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil said that 3,524 Myanmar detainees had agreed to be voluntarily repatriated to their home country through the programme’s second phase.
-- BERNAMA