TANAH MERAH: The investigation into a human trafficking syndicate in Myanmar allegedly linked to a former deputy minister and her husband will be conducted carefully, taking into account various aspects.
Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said police are expected to call several witnesses to facilitate their probe into the case.
"I have been briefed on the latest developments by Bukit Aman's Criminal Investigation Department recently and was informed that the police have opened an investigation paper on the case.
"They have also identified several individuals, including those who wrote the article.
"Some of them have yet to be called, while others have already had their statements recorded by the police.
"The investigation is still ongoing, and it would not be appropriate for me to comment further.
"Let the police carry out their work, including tracing the writer," he added.
He hoped all parties would cooperate with the police so that the case can be investigated thoroughly.
Saifuddin said this during a press conference after launching Kelantan's Baitul Mahabbah at the state Immigration detention centre today.
Last month, former deputy minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Dr Mashitah Ibrahim said she had lodged a police report over accusations linking her to a human trafficking syndicate in Myanmar.
Mashitah, in denying her involvement, said the information about the alleged involvement came from tabloid media in Indonesia.
Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain on Sunday said police are tracking several people, including a man with the title of Datuk Seri, in their probe into the human trafficking syndicate.
He said so far statements have been taken from three individuals, including the politician and her spouse.
He added investigation is being conducted under Section 12 of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants (Atipsom) Act 2007.
Pic by Nik Abdullah Omar