JOHOR BARU: The Johor Immigration Department has detained 35 illegal immigrants of various nationalities in a series of raids here.
The department director, Datuk Mohd Rusdi Mohd Darus, said the operation was carried out at around 12.30am on Friday (Aug 16) in Johor Baru.
“We raided nine premises involving shophouses and “rumah kongsi” in the operation. Enforcement action was taken following information and public complaints about the presence of immigrants in the area.
“During one of the raids at a shophouse, one suspect tried to escape to avoid inspection, but the department successfully apprehended the individual,” he said in a statement on Saturday (Aug 17) night.
Mohd Rusdi added that 29 Indonesians, including 14 females; four Indian nationals, including one female; a male Myanmar national and a male Pakistani were detained. They were aged 17 to 60.
He said all of those detained had committed an offence under Section 6(1)(c) of the Immigration Act 1959/63 (Act 155) for not possessing a pas or legal permit to be in Malaysia and Section 15(1)(c) of the same Act for overstaying.
“The department will continue to actively apprehend illegal immigrants in Johor. We will not compromise against any premise owners and individuals for allowing illegal immigrants to stay on their property,” he added.
