Malaysian authorities have arrested 35 Myanmar nationals who allegedly entered the country illegally, along with two Malaysian smugglers who were transporting them, according to a statement released by the Kelantan State Immigration Department.

In the early hours of June 11, at around 6:00 a.m., a joint enforcement team led by immigration officers conducted operations targeting locations and routes believed to be used by undocumented migrants. Raids were carried out around Jalan Kebun Sultan and Kampung Tal Tujoh in Kota Bharu, Kelantan.

During the operation, authorities intercepted three vehicles that were allegedly preparing to transport undocumented Myanmar migrants from the area. A total of 11 Myanmar nationals—five men and six women—were found inside the vehicles and were arrested. Two Malaysian facilitators and the three vehicles used in the operation were also seized.

Authorities subsequently expanded their search into nearby forested areas, where they discovered and arrested an additional 24 Myanmar nationals—17 men and seven women—who were reportedly hiding there. The 35 Myanmar nationals have been detained on charges related to illegal entry and unlawful residence in Malaysia. The two Malaysian men accused of assisting them are being investigated under human trafficking laws and are expected to face further legal action.

In a separate incident, Malaysian police arrested three undocumented Myanmar nationals in Skudai, Johor, after they allegedly assaulted a Grab driver following an argument over wearing seat belts and maintaining proper behavior inside the vehicle. The incident occurred at approximately 9:30 p.m. on June 9 in Taman Sri Yaacob, Skudai. A 56-year-old ethnic Chinese Grab driver had picked up three Myanmar passengers who were reportedly intoxicated.

While driving, the passengers were allegedly behaving loudly and disruptively. After the driver asked them to remain quiet and fasten their seat belts, an argument broke out. The three men reportedly became angry and physically attacked the driver.

As a result of the assault, the driver lost control of the vehicle, which veered into a roadside drain. Despite the crash, the attackers allegedly continued assaulting him, causing serious facial injuries. A video of the incident later circulated widely on social media, triggering strong public criticism.After the victim filed a police report on June 10, Malaysian police launched an investigation and successfully arrested all three suspects in Skudai on June 12. The suspects are Myanmar nationals aged between 22 and 39.

Police investigations found no evidence of drug use, but the suspects were reportedly heavily intoxicated with alcohol at the time of the incident. Authorities also confirmed that all three were residing in Malaysia without valid passports or legal immigration documents.The three suspects are currently facing charges related to causing bodily harm, damaging private property, and residing illegally in Malaysia. Legal proceedings and further investigations are ongoing.