Five undocumented migrants nabbed trying to flee raids in Melaka

MELAKA: Five undocumented immigrants from India and Pakistan became aggressive and tried to escape during Ops Selera and Ops Pintu raids by the Melaka Immigration Department around the city on Saturday (May 13).

Melaka Immigration director Anirwan Fauzee Mohd Aini said in the operations, 26 people, including a girl, were arrested during raids on food courts, restaurants and foreign worker quarters.

"The five acted aggressively by barging into the enforcement officers to escape and they were willing to endanger themselves by running onto a busy road, but were all arrested.

"In the operation that ended at 1.30am today (Sunday, May 14), a total of 72 foreigners were screened and 26, aged between two and 54 years, were arrested. They comprised 22 men, three women and a child," he said in a statement.

Anirwan added that those arrested were 13 Myanmar nationals, five Indians, five Indonesians, two Bangladeshis and one Pakistani.

The raids were conducted by 20 members by the department's Enforcement Division and based on complaints received from the public.

He said authorities believe all those arrested did not have valid documents or work permits or had overstayed, among other offences under the Immigration Act 1959/63.

He added that three witness summons forms were also issued to employers' representatives to help with investigations, and further action would be taken to identify and bring to book those employing undocumented foreigners.

"The main objective of the operation was to detect and counter the influx of undocumented foreigners, as well as to identify those who harbour and exploit them for profit.

"Strict action without compromise will be taken against those involved," he warned. – Bernama