Malaysian Authorities detain 131 Sri Lankans migrants at sea

Malaysian authorities intercepted a "modified" tanker, which was believed to be headed to Australia and New Zealand, the country's National Police Chief Mohamad Fuzi Harun was quoted by foreign media

"On May 1st, at approximately 2.02 am, Royal Malaysian Police in co-operation with Malaysian Maritime Enforcement and government legal officers have conducted 'Op Kenal Alpha 2/2018' and have successfully brought down a people smuggling operation involving Sri Lankan citizens using maritime passage in the area of Tanjung Gemuk waters, Sedili, Kota Tinggi, Johor," Harun said in a statement.

The vessel had 131 Sri Lankans including 98 men, 24 women, four boys and five girls on board. Australian Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton disclosed that the government had been working closely with the Malaysian authorities to stop people smuggling operations.

"It underscores the fact that this is a significant issue for our country, for New Zealand and for other countries in the region," Dutton was quoted by the AP as saying at a press conference.

The Australian authorities explained that the intercepted vessel was party to a "sophisticated" people smuggling operation. Australian border protection policies deny asylum to migrants who enter the country by sea.