JOHOR BARU: A total of 29 foreigners have been arrested for breaching immigration laws in separate joint operations in two Johor districts.
State Immigration director Baharuddin Tahir said 14 of them were arrested at the Skudai Toll Plaza here on Wednesday (Feb 28) while 15 were arrested in Pengerang, Kota Tinggi on Thursday (Feb 29).
"A total of 73 foreigners were checked during the operation in Skudai.
"Of the number detained, 10 men and four women were arrested for flouting immigration regulations.
"Those arrested are between 23 and 50 years old. Six are from Indonesia, five from India, two from Bangladesh and one from Pakistan," he said in a statement.
He said that the operation in Skudai was jointly conducted with the Road Transport Department (JPJ), Iskandar Puteri City Council (MBIP), the police and Plus Malaysia Berhad (PLUS).
On the second operation, Baharuddin said some 15 premises were raided following public reports of foreigners working without permits.
"Checks were done on 38 people in the Pengerang area where 15 were found to be violating immigration regulations.
"They are from Bangladesh (eight), Indonesia (five), India (one) and Pakistan (one)," he said, adding that those arrested are between 20 and 43 years old.
The operation was conducted with the Pengerang Municipal Council, Kota Tinggi District Office, district Land Office, the police, Companies Commission of Malaysia (SSM) and the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry.
He said those arrested are being investigated under Sections 6(1)(c) of the Immigration Act 1959/63 for not having valid travel documents, Section 15(1)(c) of the Act for overstaying and Section 39(b) of the Immigration Regulations 1963 for abuse of social visit passes.
