SHAH ALAM, April 8 — A total of 133 workers believed to be illegal immigrants were arrested during an integrated operation at two factories in an industrial area in the Klang Valley today.
Berita Harian reported that Immigration Department Director-General Datuk Zakaria Shaaban said 162 individuals were inspected during the operation, with 133 foreign nationals detained for various immigration offences in separate operations in Balakong and Shah Alam.
The integrated operation involved 145 officers, including personnel from the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry, the Royal Malaysian Customs Department, the Environment Department, and the Labour Department, and was conducted from 11am to 12pm.
“Those detained comprised nationals from Indonesia (11), Bangladesh (65), India (four), Myanmar (17), Nepal (15), Pakistan (18), Vietnam (one), and China (two), with the majority being men aged between 20 and 45.
“Offences detected included failure to possess identification documents, breach of pass conditions, overstaying, and holding unrecognised cards,” he said during a media conference after inspecting the operation today.
Zakaria added that all of the detainees would be placed in Immigration detention depots for investigation and further action.
During the operation, the Customs Department also seized untaxed alcohol and cigarettes, which are believed to belong to foreign workers at the factories involved.
“Enforcement operations will be carried out continuously to detect, apprehend, prosecute, and deport foreign nationals who violate the country’s legal provisions.
“This includes enforcement under the Immigration Act 1959/63 (Act 155), the Passport Act 1966, the Immigration Regulations 1963, and the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Act 2007,” he said.
Meanwhile, Zakaria also reminded the public and employers not to hire or harbour undocumented migrants, as it is a serious offence under Act 155.
He noted that the Migrant Repatriation Programme 2.0 will end this month, and all illegal immigrants are advised to promptly take advantage of it so as to avoid stricter enforcement action after the deadline.
“Members of the public with information related to illegal immigrants are urged to come forward and channel the information to the authorities,” Zakaria said.
