Coastal villagers in Kelantan say smugglers threaten them with guns over migrant landings

Coastal communities in Kelantan say human-smuggling syndicates are intimidating locals with firearms to keep illegal migrant landings hidden. A self-employed man named Hamidi described frequent arrivals, often nightly and timed with Maghrib or Subuh prayers during Ramadan. A labourer, Faiz, reported a pistol threat after he and other villagers confronted a boatman of Thai-Malay-Siamese descent believed to be part of the operation.

The migrants reportedly arrive at spots such as Pulau Pisang, Kedai Buluh, Pantai Mek Mah and directly on beaches like Pantai Cahaya Bulan. Smugglers are thought to rely on cross-border networks and some locals may aid them. The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency has previously noted similar threats and warned that the groups likely possess weapons, complicating enforcement.