JOHOR BARU: The Johor Immigration Department has arrested 18 foreign nationals for allegedly begging at night markets around the city centre here.
Its director Datuk Mohd Rusdi Mohd Darus said preliminary investigations revealed that each beggar could earn an average daily income of up to RM600, and up to RM15,000 a month.
“We conducted enforcement operations targeting foreign street beggars at two night market locations in Kampung Melayu Majidee and Taman Abad last Monday (Feb 3).
“The operation, carried out by the Johor Immigration Department enforcement division successfully detained 18 foreign nationals.
“The operation, which commenced at 7pm, was initiated following public information and intelligence gathering on foreign beggars operating in Johor Baru,” he said in a statement here on Wednesday (Feb 5).
Mohd Rusdi added that those arrested include four male Chinese nationals, four male Thai nationals, three male and one female Cambodian nationals, two female and two male Syrian nationals, one male Bangladeshi national, and one male Pakistani national.
The detainees were aged between 40 and 69.
He added that some of the detained beggars were found to have physical disabilities, which they allegedly used to gain sympathy from night market visitors.
All detainees are suspected of committing offences under the Immigration Act 1959/63 and the Immigration Regulations 1963.
They have been placed at the Setia Tropika Immigration Depot for further investigation and action.
In a separate operation, Mohd Rusdi shared that the department apprehended eight foreign nationals in an enforcement action conducted between 2.35pm and 5.50pm on Feb 3 in Felda Tenggaroh, Mersing.
A total of four premises were inspected, including a livestock pen within a palm oil plantation.
“The enforcement action was taken following reports and public complaints regarding the presence of foreign workers without valid work passes or travel documents.
“The detainees comprised five Indonesian men, two Indian men, and one Myanmar national, aged between 27 and 50,” he said, adding that all individuals are suspected of violating the Immigration Act 1959/63 and the Immigration Regulations 1963.
They have been placed at the Pekan Nenas Immigration Depot for further investigation.
Additionally, two notices were issued to individuals to present themselves at the immigration office to assist in the investigation.
The Johor Immigration Department reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening enforcement across Johor to combat illegal immigration and ensure compliance with immigration laws.
The department also vowed to take action against employers, property owners, and individuals who collude in hiring foreign workers without valid travel documents and work permits.
