Jakarta, Indonesia Sentinel — A shooting incident off the coast of Tanjung Rhu, Selangor, Malaysia, on January 24, 2025, has left one Indonesian national killed and several others injured. The tragic event occurred in the waters near the Malaysian shoreline, as a group of Indonesian nationals attempted to exit Malaysia via illegal routes.
Judha Nugraha, Director of the Protection of Indonesian Citizens and Indonesian Legal Entities at the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Kemenlu), confirmed that both Kemenlu and the Indonesian Embassy in Kuala Lumpur (KBRI) have been actively monitoring the situation. According to Nugraha, the shooting took place after the Indonesian nationals allegedly resisted Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (APMM) officers who were trying to stop them.
“The shooting took place because the Indonesian nationals reportedly resisted. As a result, one Indonesian citizen was killed, and several others were injured,” Nugraha stated in a press release on Sunday, January 26, 2025.
The victims, whose identities and exact number are still being verified, were reportedly attempting to leave Malaysia illegally when the shooting occurred. The Malaysian police and maritime enforcement agency have confirmed the incident, but further investigations are ongoing. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is preparing to send a diplomatic note to the Malaysian government, seeking a full investigation into the tragic incident and urging transparency and accountability in the matter.
Local authorities, including the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) and APMM, have begun their inquiry into the shooting. The investigation will look into whether the use of force was justified, as well as the broader circumstances surrounding the illegal migration attempts.
While the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is still gathering information on the victims, diplomatic channels have already been activated to address the situation. The Indonesian government has expressed concern over the incident and is calling for a swift and transparent investigation. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has also assured the families of the victims that assistance will be provided.
The incident has highlighted ongoing concerns regarding the illegal immigration routes in Malaysia, particularly along its coastlines. Many Indonesian nationals have been reported attempting to enter Malaysia illegally, seeking work or better opportunities. Malaysia has long struggled with illegal immigration, and incidents like this bring attention to the challenges both nations face in regulating borders and preventing dangerous and unlawful migration.
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The shooting in Tanjung Rhu has raised several critical questions about the use of force by enforcement officers and the treatment of illegal migrants in Malaysia. Human rights organizations have urged both countries to conduct a fair and impartial investigation and to ensure that the rights of all individuals, regardless of their immigration status, are upheld.
As investigations continue, the Indonesian government remains focused on ensuring that the rights of its citizens are protected, even in cases where they are involved in illegal activities. Diplomatic channels have been activated, and both nations are expected to collaborate to determine the full scope of the incident.
The Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs also emphasized the need for greater cooperation between Indonesia and Malaysia to prevent similar incidents in the future and to address the complex issues surrounding illegal immigration and border enforcement.
(Becky)
