BUTTERWORTH: Six foreign opera actors here were apprehended for allegedly breaching their social visit passes by engaging in cultural performances.
The state Immigration Department raided a house of worship's grounds in Butterworth on Thursday (Oct 10), following a tip-off about a group of foreign nationals performing without valid permits.
According to Sinar Harian, Penang Immigration director Nur Zulfa Ibrahim said that the actors were caught in full costume and in the midst of their act.
Checks showed that the group only had social visit passes without the necessary approvals for artistic activities.
The detained individuals comprise two Taiwanese men, two Taiwanese women and two Singaporean women, ranging from 40 to 60 years old. They are suspected of violating pass conditions under regulation 11(7)(a) of the Immigration Regulations 1963.
Further investigations will be conducted, and if found guilty, they may face actions under Regulation 39(b) of the Immigration Regulations 1963.
Nur Zulfa said that current regulations require foreign artists to apply through proper channels.
She added that strict measures will be taken against any parties infringing immigration laws and regulations.
