BUTTERWORTH: Undocumented workers at a factory fled into the undergrowth during a raid by the Penang Immigration Department, but their freedom was short-lived as they were soon caught.
The raid on two factories manufacturing plastics and boxes in Juru netted 29 illegal immigrants who were held for various offences including overstaying, not possessing valid work permits and misuse of their social visit pass.
State Immigration director Shah Inor Shahbudin said checks were done on 45 foreign workers.
The 29 detainees – 17 Myanmars and 12 Bangladeshis, aged 20 to 35 – were being held under Section 39 (B) of the Immigration Regulations 1963.
"Those who fled when they saw my officers were apprehended later," she added, saying that they will be detained at the department's Seberang Jaya facility for further investigation.
Already a subscriber? Log in
Get 20% OFF The Star Digital Access
Cancel anytime. Ad-free. Unlimited access with perks.
