Extradition of human traffickers sought
BUKIT KAYU HITAM: Malaysia will be applying for an extradition order for three main suspects in the 2015 Wang Kelian human trafficking case to be tried here.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the three suspects were the masterminds in the case and were not mere assistants as claimed.
“The three are now in jail in Thailand and we are in the process of obtaining an extradition order to bring them back quickly for trial in Malaysia.
“We have also sent a letter through Wisma Putra and we have met several conditions for the purpose,” he said when visiting the Immigration, Customs, Quarantine and Security (ICQS) integrated project site here yesterday.
Also present were Deputy Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Johari Baharum and Kedah Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Ahmad Bashah Md Hanipah.
Ahmad Zahid, who is also home minister, said intelligence gathered showed the suspects were the real culprits and rejected allegations that there were at least 10 primary suspects involved in the issue concerned.
“After discussing with the Thai government and the minister responsible, we confirmed only three people were involved,” he said.
In May 2015, InspectorGeneral of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar had announced the discovery of more than 130 graves in 28 temporary camps of a human trafficking syndicate in Wang Kelian, Perlis.
On another matter, Ahmad Zahid said with effect from Jan 1, 2019, the new Immigration, Customs, Quarantine and Security (ICQS) Complex here will implement 24-hour operations when the construction of a second phase is completed on Dec 31, 2018.
He said the opening of the border 24 hours a day was the result of a mutual agreement with the Thai government.
“The construction of the first phase of the new complex will be completed by Sept 1 this year and this will extend the operation hours by between 18 and 20 hours a day from Sept 3 onwards.
“The second phase will be completed on Dec 31, 2018, that will enable the border to be opened 24 hours a day,” he said. – Bernama