KOTA BHARU, Aug 19 — Police will take firm action against human-smuggling syndicates using ‘tonto’ to obstruct enforcement vehicles, following a recent incident in which two General Operations Force (GOF) personnel were hit while carrying out their duties.

Kelantan police chief Datuk Mohd Yusoff Mamat said the incident showed that the syndicates were becoming increasingly bold, stressing that such actions would not be tolerated.

“Human smuggling is a serious issue. They were willing to hit GOF personnel, which is an outrageous act that should not have happened,” he told a press conference at the Kelantan Police Contingent Headquarters (IPK) here today.

He said action would be taken against all parties involved under the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Act 2007 (ATIPSOM), as well as Sections 353 and 186 of the Penal Code.

Mohd Yusoff said police had also detected human-smuggling activities using sea routes and rivers along the Kelantan coast, adding that enforcement agencies would remain vigilant against such operations.

He said the incident involving the GOF personnel was still considered an isolated case, but urged officers operating in the field, particularly GOF members and the Kelantan IPK task force, to remain alert and take appropriate action within the law when faced with threats.

On Aug 15, a land-based smuggler transporting six undocumented Myanmar women rammed two GOF personnel during an inspection at Kampung Chat Palekbang, Tumpat, before being arrested. — Bernama