25-1-2025 (KUALA LUMPUR) A deadly confrontation between Malaysian maritime authorities and suspected illegal migrants unfolded in the early hours of Friday morning off the coast of Banting, resulting in one fatality and multiple injuries after officers opened fire in what they describe as self-defence.
The incident occurred when Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) patrol vessels encountered an unregistered fibreglass boat carrying several individuals near Tanjung Rhu. According to official reports, the situation escalated when the suspect vessel deliberately rammed the MMEA craft four times before two men, brandishing machetes, allegedly attempted to assault the officers.
Selangor Police Chief Commissioner Datuk Hussein Omar Khan revealed that the dramatic sequence of events led to officers discharging their firearms, with tragic consequences. “Following public alerts, MMEA personnel discovered two unconscious men aboard a stranded vessel near Banting shores at approximately 9am. One individual was pronounced dead at the scene, whilst another remains in critical condition at Hospital Tengku Ampuan Rahimah, Klang,” the Commissioner stated.
In a parallel development, three additional men connected to the incident sought medical attention at Hospital Sultan Idris Shah in Serdang, presenting with gunshot wounds. Hospital staff noted the suspicious circumstances, as two of the patients arrived in wet clothing, whilst a third wore only boxer shorts. None possessed identification documents, and their accounts of the injuries were inconsistent.
Maritime Captain Abdul Muhaimin Muhammad Salleh, Selangor MMEA director, confirmed the recovery of a blue fibreglass boat without registration markings approximately 0.4 nautical miles off Pulau Carey. “Initial investigations suggest the individuals are of Indonesian origin, though this remains to be verified,” he stated.
The incident appears to be part of a larger attempted illegal exit operation. Commissioner Hussein disclosed that authorities believe between 10 to 15 additional suspects remain at large. “We are actively pursuing all individuals connected to this vessel and investigating their potential involvement in criminal activities,” he affirmed.
Police have launched multiple investigations under Section 307 of the Penal Code for attempted murder, Section 186 for obstruction of public servants, and Section 39 of the Firearms Act 1960. The four surviving suspects are currently under police guard whilst receiving medical treatment.
