30 detained after boat chase

The Star/Asia News Network, Thu, Mar 26, 2009

KOTA TINGGI, MALAYSIA: Some 30 illegals, including five women and two little girls, from Indonesia have been detained by marine police after a 30-minute boat chase off the waters of Pulau Lima in Kota Tinggi.

Marine police officers tracked down the boat carrying the Indonesians at 11.30pm on Tuesday after receiving a tip-off from the public.

Southern Region marine police chief Asst Comm Mohd Khamsani Abd Rahman said the boat sped off after police ordered it to stop for inspection..

Police managed to corner the boat after 30 minutes, he said. ACP Mohd Khamsani said the boat's 28-year-old captain was also detained, adding:

"The illegals, aged between one and 48, are being investigated under Section 6(3)(c) of the Immigration Act for not possessing valid travel documents and Section 5(2) of the same Act for entering the country illegally.

"We have also seized the boat. We appreciated the information by the public that led to the arrests," he said.

Anyone with information have been urged to contact the police hotline at 07-221 2999 or the nearest police station.