Malaysian authorities have dismantled a migrant smuggling syndicate operating in Johor, arresting 11 individuals, including the suspected leader, a 38-year-old Indonesian man known as "Dedi." The operation involved coordinated night-time raids across Kukup, Skudai, and Batu Pahat on May 27, 2025.The syndicate had been active for at least six months, facilitating the illegal entry and exit of undocumented Indonesian migrants via sea routes. Each migrant was charged approximately RM2,100 for transport. Authorities seized key evidence, including passports, cash, mobile phones, a multi-purpose vehicle, and a boat, effectively crippling the group's operations.Five Indonesian men and one woman were detained for lacking valid travel documents, while one had overstayed. Investigations revealed that migrants were temporarily housed in a hotel, believed to be used as a holding location before being transported by sea.

The suspects face charges under the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Act (ATIPSOM) 2007 and the Immigration Act 1959/63. All detainees were taken to the Immigration Department's depot in Setia Tropika for further action. The Immigration Department has pledged to intensify efforts to combat migrant smuggling and protect Malaysia's border sovereignty