JOHOR BARU: More than 300 foreigners of various nationalities have been arrested in a series of raids conducted across five districts in the state.
Johor Immigration director Datuk Mohd Rusdi Mohd Darus said the suspects were detained in an operation targeting construction sites in Johor Baru, Muar, Segamat, Mersing and Batu Pahat.
"The raids, involving 120 enforcement officers, were carried out simultaneously across the five districts at about 10.30am on Wednesday (May 7).
"A total of 516 foreigners were inspected during the operation, and 330 of them were detained for suspected immigration offences," he said in a statement on Thursday (May 8).
He said the suspects, aged between 20 and 57, are from Bangladesh, Indonesia, Myanmar, Pakistan and Vietnam.
"A total of 239 are from Bangladesh, 65 from Indonesia, 24 from Myanmar, and one each from Pakistan and Vietnam.
"Four of the Indonesian suspects are women, while the rest are men.
"We also arrested a 50-year-old local man who is the manager of one of the construction sites in Johor Baru," he added.
Mohd Rusdi said the foreigners are believed to have committed offences under the Immigration Act 1959/63 and the Immigration Regulations 1963, while the local suspect is being investigated under Section 56(1)(d) of the same Act for harbouring illegal immigrants.
"A total of 13 notices to appear at the Immigration office were also issued during the operation to assist with investigations.
"All detainees have been placed at the Pekan Nenas Immigration Depot for further investigation and action," he said.
