An anti-narcotics police raid at a house in Kuching last Friday netted the unexpected - the possibility that a human trafficking gang specialising in the sale of babies may have been revived after lying low for the last few years.

A woman and her two sons, aged 16 and 33, were arrested under the Child Protection Act 2002. Her son-in-law, who is in his 30s, was held in connection with a drug-related offence.

Yesterday, the Kuching magistrate's court ordered the woman, 56, to be further remanded for five days to facilitate investigations.

During the operation, police found two infants - a two-week-old boy and a month-old girl - in the house.

The suspect claimed that she was babysitting for the mothers of the children, but allegedly failed to substantiate her claim. Police therefore believe that the babies are for sale.

Indonesian connection

Kuching Deputy Police Chief Tan Soon Tiong said checks are underway to determine if the suspect has any connection with a transborder gang, led by a local woman dubbed 'Auntie Bong' by the local media.

At the height of their activities, the group either smuggled in babies or brought in pregnant women from Indonesia.

Some of the pregnant women were forced to give up their babies, while others did so voluntarily in return for money.

Each baby was reportedly sold at between RM2,000 and RM20,000 depending on gender, complexion and health.

Although police had virtually busted the gang then, 'Auntie Bong' is still on the run, together with a young couple who are on the 'wanted' list.

Meanwhile, Indonesian officials and non-government organisations have expressed concern about the intensified trade in sex workers and sale of babies in Malaysia, particularly in Sarawak.

One official recently said that young Indonesian girls are being lured from their homes with promises of jobs and better salaries, but find out that they have been tricked when they arrive in Malaysia.

He described it as a challenge for both governments to find a solution to the problem.

JIMMY TEOH is malaysiakini 's Sarawak-based stringer.