KLANG: The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) has arrested a foreign woman for allegedly being involved in smuggling illegal immigrants in and out of the country.

       Selangor MMEA director Maritime Capt Mohammad Rosli Kassim said the 56-year-old suspect was arrested at a flat in Kuchai Lama on Nov 5 following an operation which saw 25 foreigners detained on the same day.

       "The woman, under the guise of a name Ibu Ani, was believed to have offered services to undocumented foreigners who wanted to go back home or come to Malaysia for between RM1,500 and RM2,000 per trip,” said Capt Mohammad Rosli.

       "At around 4.45am on Nov 5, we arrested 25 foreigners and six agents near Pulau Angsa. Investigations showed the foreigners were about to be smuggled out of the country," he added when speaking to reporters on Monday (Nov 8).

       Capt Mohammad Rosli said the suspect was believed to have been operating for over three years, adding that the MMEA believes the syndicate would take three days to ferry those who want to go home once payment has been made.

       "They would first bring them to one transit house before transferring them to another transit hideout via e-hailing cars. These illegals would then be taken to a beach to board a boat home,” he said

       "The syndicate is believed to use the same e-hailing drivers to ferry these illegals," added Capt Mohammad Rosli, adding that three of the e-hailing drivers were among the six agents arrested to assist in investigations.