KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 7 — Approximately 843 illegal immigrants were detained in an Integrated Operation in Selayang Baru last night after being suspected of committing various offences under the Immigration Act 1959/63.
Menteri Besar cum Selangor State Security Committee chairman Dato' Seri Amirudin Shari said they comprised 808 men and 35 women aged 21 to 53, including Indonesians, Bangladeshis, Indians, Myanmar, Nepalese, and Pakistanis.
"This operation was carried out after receiving complaints from the community about the influx of foreign workers, including those operating businesses on the side of the road.
"Intelligence was conducted before the inspection was carried out," he said during a press conference after participating in the operation.
Amirudin added that similar operations had also been carried out previously in Seri Muda, the Selangor Wholesale Market, and at several other locations.
Also participating in the operation last night were Immigration Department deputy director-general (operations) Datuk Lokman Effendi Ramli, Selangor police chief Datuk Shazeli Kahar, Selangor Immigration director Khairul Aminus Kamaruddin, as well as 358 members of various security agencies, including the Immigration Department, the police, the Armed Forces, the Registration Department, and the local authorities.
He noted that the operation also arrested two locals on suspicion of drug abuse.
All those arrested were suspected of not having identification documents, violating pass conditions, overstaying, using unrecognised cards, and other immigration offences, before being taken to the Semenyih Immigration Depot for further investigation.
Commenting on the claim that low rental costs attracted foreigners to live in Selayang Baru, Amirudin said the factor was driven more by demand and supply, as well as by its proximity to the city centre, which is the focus of trade and daily jobs.
The previous integrated operation at the Selangor Wholesale Market had also had a positive impact on the community.
"This operation will continue to detect, arrest, prosecute and deport foreigners who violate the law, in accordance with the Immigration Act 1959/63, the Passport Act 1966, the Immigration Regulations 1963, and the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Act 2007," he said.
The Menteri Besar also warned employers to use legal channels when employing foreign workers to avoid disrupting business operations and ensure national security.
