KUALA LUMPUR, March 24 -- Smuggling syndicates are taking advantage of the upcoming Aidilfitri celebrations to offer transport for undocumented migrants who wish to spend the festive period with their families back home.

Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) Director-General Admiral Datuk Mohd Rosli Abdullah was quoted by Harian Metro saying the syndicates charge between RM1,500 and RM3,200 per person, depending on distance and services provided.

The syndicates actively use social media platforms such as TikTok and Facebook to advertise their operations, mainly targeting Indonesian migrants. for the festive season via maritime routes, he said.

Migrants are then typically transported via sea routes, boarding ferries or speedboats...