Tragedy 5 Indonesian Migrant Workers Shot By Malaysian Officials, Neighboring State Police Hold Internal Investigation
JAKARTA - Malaysian law enforcers conducted an internal investigation into allegations that the Malaysian Maritime Strengthening Agency (APMM) shot Indonesian migrant workers (PMI) in the waters of Tanjung Rhu, Selangor, on January 24, 2025. As a result of the shooting, two PMIs were killed, three others were injured.
Malaysian Interior Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said the investigation would also find out whether there had been a violation of procedures for APMM personnel who carried out PMI installation in Malaysian waters.
Saifuddin emphasized that if there is a threat, standard procedures for the use of firearms must still be obeyed by APMM personnel in this situation.
"When radar detects suspicious activity, how does APMM assess the situation when they are on duty at 3 am in the middle of the dark ocean?" said Minister Saifuddin in the 20th anniversary of the APMM in George Town, Penang, Saturday, February 15, which was confiscated by Antara via Bernama.
Saifuddin explained that the Malaysian police's internal investigation in the early stages found that the APMM operation was suspected to be related to the alleged criminal act of trafficking in persons (TPPO).
He claimed that the individuals detained in the operation were the key actors in the movement of TIP activities.
SEE ALSO:
Saifuddin also confirmed that the investigation would look into other alleged violations of the 1960 Firearms Act and the 2007 Migrant Anti-Trafficking and Trade Act.
He also ensured that Malaysian authorities would provide the latest information as progress in the ongoing investigation.
Previously, Saifuddin stated that in the incident, the APMM radar detected a "suspicious contact" in state waters, so the authorities immediately sent a team of crackdowns to block and warn the boat with a loudspeaker, but there was no response.
The case will be investigated by the Malaysian police under Article 307 (MURDER trials) and 186 (dismissal of duties of public officials) of the Malaysian Criminal Code, Article 39 (use of firearms) of the 1960 Firearms Law, and Article 26A (smuggling of migrants) of the Anti-Trafficking and Smuggling of Migrants 2007.