Negri Immigration detains 110 undocumented foreigners in three-hour operation

Some of the foreigners detained for inspection and screening by the Immigration during the operation in Seremban.

SEREMBAN: Immigration has detained 110 undocumented foreigners in a three-hour operation carried out near housing-cum-commercial development here early Wednesday.

State Immigration director Kennith Tan Aik Kiang said 91 of those detained were men.

"They have been detained for violating Immigration laws such as overstaying and entering the country illegally," he told reporters after the operation.

They will be probed under Section 6(1)(c) of the Immigration Act for entering the country without a valid pass and Section 15(1)(c) for overstaying, he said.

Tan said 64 of those detained were Myanmar nationals, Indonesians (13), Bangladeshis (10), Indians (six), Pakistanis (nine), Sri Lankans (six) and Nepalese (two).

He said 628 foreigners, including five children, were detained during the operation. However those with valid travel documents were later released.

Of the 628 foreigners, 584 were men.

He said more than 300 personnel, including those from other states and agencies were involved in the operation.

"We came in after receiving information from the public that many foreigners have started occupying these shoplots where the top floors had been turned into hostels.

"Immigration then carried out a two-week surveillance and upon verification, we decided to carry out this operation," he said.

Most of the foreigners worked in businesses and construction sites in the area.

He said those without a valid permit and travel documents had tried to escape by jumping from the upper floors or climbing up the roof.

A 35-year-old woman suffered head injuries after she was believed to have jumped from the second floor to escape the raid.

Tan also reminded employers and building owners that action can be taken against them for hiring and harbouring the illegals.

This, he said, was provided for under Section 55e and 56(1)(d) of the Immigration Act.

"I would like to remind the public and employers not to harbour or hire the undocumented illegals as stern action will be taken against them for doing so,"he said.