Escape plan: Foreign workers attempting to flee into the jungle during the joint operation at a construction site in Meru, Ipoh. — Bernama
JOHOR BARU: A week of surveillance has led to the arrest of 114 illegal immigrants working at a hypermarket in Tampoi here.
Johor Immigration Department director Baharuddin Tahir said a raid was carried out at 11.30am on Dec 8 following a public complaint about the presence of foreigners at the hypermarket.
“Prior to launching the operation, the department gathered information about illegal migrants working at the premises,” he said here yesterday.
Baharuddin said those detained comprised 51 Myanmar men, followed by 42 Indonesians (34 men and eight women), 10 Bangladeshi men, eight Nepalese men and three Indian men, all aged 19 to 58 years old.
“The arrests were made because all of them failed to produce any valid travel documents, and were suspected of overstaying, abusing the social visit pass in addition to violating the conditions of the pass,” he said.
The case is being investigated under Sections 6(1) and 15(1) of the Immigration Act 1959/1963, and Rules 11(7)(a) and 39(b) of the Immigration Regulations 1963.
“All detainees have been placed at the Setia Tropika Immigration Depot for investigation and further action.
“At the same time, we also call on foreigners to seize the opportunity to participate in the Labour Recalibration Programme 2.0, which will end on Dec 31,” said Baharuddin.Separately, Bernama reported that 86 foreign workers were rescued by the Peninsular Malaysia Labour Department in three separate operations in Ipoh, Manjung and Tapah yesterday.
Its director-general Kamal Pardi said the joint operation was carried out with other agencies.
He added that measures were taken to ensure the wellbeing of foreign workers, while refuting international allegations of forced labour practices in the country.
Kamal said during inspections, employers were also found to have violated the Workers’ Minimum Standards of Housing and Amenities (Amendment) Act, 2019 (Act 446).
“In addition to the limited space in shared accommodation, the foreign workers had to sleep on rubber mats as there were no beds or mattresses,” he said.
“The department will not compromise on anything that could lead to forced labour, which could tarnish the country’s image.
“We urge employers in all sectors to fulfil their responsibilities by ensuring proper job placement and accommodation for foreign workers,” he said.
