SUBANG JAYA, Aug 22 — Approximately 198 undocumented foreign workers aged 18 to 50 were arrested for immigration offences during an early morning multi agency raid at a construction site in USJ 23.
Sinar Harian reported that the joint operation was conducted by the Selangor and Putrajaya Immigration Departments, alongside the National Registration Department, the National Anti-Drug Agency, and the Civil Defence Force.
The raid turned chaotic when several occupants attempted to evade checks by hiding under beds or running into a nearby mining area while wearing only sarongs, though several were later persuaded to surrender.
Selangor Immigration deputy director (Control) Mohmad Khusairi Kamarudin said the detainees were aged between 18 and 50, and comprised multiple nationalities.
"The detainees, aged 18 to 50, comprised 20 Indonesians, 148 Bangladeshis, 28 Myanmar nationals, and one each from Nepal and Pakistan," he said.
Khusairi added that the offences included failing to possess valid identification documents, breaching the conditions of their passes, and overstaying.
Inspections revealed that the two storey quarters were in an untidy and cluttered condition, featuring dangerous electrical connection alongside a sundry shop, a kitchen, and a canteen.
Among the detained, an Indonesian woman in her 40s disclosed to Sinar Harian that she had been living there and working as a house cleaner.
"I am paid RM55 a day and have been working here for about a year. I came to Malaysia by air using my passport, but it has now expired," she said.
Meanwhile, Khusairi said that enforcement actions will find, apprehend, prosecute, and deport foreign nationals who break Malaysian laws.
"Those with information on illegal immigrants or information that could assist the Immigration Department in its enforcement efforts are urged to come forward," he said, reminding the public and employers not to harbour illegal immigrants or face legal action.
The case is currently being investigated under the Immigration Act 1959/63 and Immigration Regulations 1963.
