Immigration detains 74 foreigners in large-scale enforcement operation

Immigration detains 74 foreigners in large-scale enforcement operation

KUALA LUMPUR: A total of 74 foreigners were rounded up by the Immigration Department during a large-scale operation on Tuesday, exposing employers who allegedly used valid business licences as cover to hire undocumented workers.

The operation by the department’s Enforcement Division in Putrajaya was carried out from 11am to 8pm following public complaints and a week of intelligence gathering on foreigners suspected of working without valid permits.

Immigration deputy director-general (operations) Datuk Lokman Effendi Ramli said the raids involved several business premises, including restaurants, retail shops, barber shops, laundrettes, kiosks and supermarkets.

“A total of 59 immigration officers were deployed to several locations in Puchong, involving inspections at 30 premises, 186 foreigners and 175 locals,” he said in a statement.

He said 74 foreigners aged between 23 and 45 from Indonesia, Myanmar, Nepal, Bangladesh, India, Pakistan and China were detained for various offences under the Immigration Act 1959/63 and Immigration Regulations 1963.

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He added that five Form 29 witness summonses were also issued to Malaysians to assist in investigations.

Lokman Effendi said the activity was detected after employers were found hiring foreign workers illegally while using valid local business licences as cover to avoid detection.

He said some undocumented migrants had become increasingly bold by provoking authorities, refusing to cooperate during inspections, attempting to flee and using various tactics to evade enforcement action.

“These irresponsible actions not only violate the country’s laws but can also affect public order and the safety of the community,” he said.

He added that all detainees have been placed at immigration detention depots for investigation and action.