Immigration nabs factory owner, 45 foreign nationals in raid

KUALA LUMPUR: A Bangladeshi clothing factory owner and 45 foreign workers were detained following several raids in Ampang.

Immigration officers raided two clothing factories as well as two other premises owned by the 46-year-old Bangladeshi man on Thursday (Sept 23).

Immigration director-general Datuk Khairul Dzaimee Daud said investigations showed that the suspect used forged work permits for foreign workers obtained through the ID-Hack syndicate to establish a company here.

"He has been active in the clothing production industry in Klang Valley since 2012.

"We discovered that he formed the company with the cooperation of locals and employed undocumented migrants to maximise profits," he said in a statement on Saturday (Sept 25).

A few commercial premises were rented by the suspect, which were used as factories, a hostel for the workers and a sales and retail centre, he added.

"He had employed 45 foreigners, who were paid RM1,600 a month.

"We believe he earns between RM130,000 and RM150,000 in revenue monthly," he said.

Khairul Dzaimee said the suspect's illegal business has led to RM700,000 losses in foreign workers' levy for the government.

"We also detained 45 foreigners from Bangladesh, Myanmar and Indonesia during the raids. Some of them even owned forged permits, which were produced by the ID-Hack syndicate," he said.

Various items, including cash from clothing sales, company documents, and several vehicle certificates registered under the suspect's company were seized, he said.

"Based on the ATM cards seized, the suspect has stored a large amount of cash. We have yet to ascertain the exact amount," he said.

Khairul Dzaimee said the suspect, along with a 37-year-old local woman, who is the company's director, are also being investigated for employing undocumented immigrants.

"We will not compromise in taking action against any party involved in forging department issued documents. We will step up efforts to track down the remaining work permits issued by the ID-Hack syndicate," he added.