SEREMBAN: The Immigration Department has detained 116 undocumented foreigners in separate operations in Kuala Pilah and Port Dickson, says its state director Kennith Tan Ai Kiang.
He added that a total of 180 foreigners were screened during the operations carried out at a brick-making factory and a construction site.
"Those detained had violated provisions related to immigration laws and regulations.
"They have all been sent to the Immigration depot in Lenggeng to allow us to continue with investigations," he said in a statement on Friday (Feb 7).
Tan said the operations were carried out between 8.30am and 5pm on Thursday.
Bangladeshis were the majority of those detained at 74 persons followed by Indonesians (15), Chinese nationals (11), Pakistanis (nine), Indians (five), and Myanmar nationals (two).
They were between 20 and 55 years of age.
Tan said Labour Department personnel, the Port Dickson Municipal Council, the Construction Industry Development Board, the Social Security Organisation (PERKESO) and police had worked together in the operations.
"As usual, some of those detained tried to flee but were detained.
"There were some who tried to hide in between narrow concrete walls and one even tried to jump from the ceiling of a building under construction," he said, adding that the process went on without any problems.
Tan thanked members of the public for the tip-off which led to the success of both operations.
"We welcome any information related to the presence of undocumented foreigners.
"Such information will be treated in strict confidence," he said.
He also reminded employers not to hire undocumented foreigners as stern action can be taken against them for doing so.
