KUALA LUMPUR: A total of 125 illegal immigrants were arrested by the Malaysian Immigration Department in a raid on a 19-storey flat in Danau Kota, Setapak, early on Thursday (Sept 11).
Kuala Lumpur Immigration director Wan Mohamed Saupee Wan Yusoff said those arrested consisted of 81 men and 43 women aged between 16 and 70, and a child. They included 79 citizens of Myanmar, India (25), Pakistan (14), Indonesia (12) and Bangladesh (5).
He said the raid, which began about midnight, was conducted following complaints about the influx of foreigners believed to be illegal immigrants dominating the area.
"A two-week intelligence gathering identified a block with 380 housing units, and targeted inspections were carried out on 64 units involving 400 individuals," he told reporters after the operation.
Wan Mohamed Saupee said those detained in the operation were suspected of not having valid travel documents or overstaying, and investigations were being conducted in accordance with Section 6(1)(c) and Section 15(4) of the Immigration Act 1959/63.
Meanwhile, Wan Mohamed Saupee said inspections revealed that the housing units were rented out to the illegal immigrants for between RM700 and RM1,200 per month, while room rentals range from RM200 to RM400 a month, depending on the condition of the property.
"Homeowners must ensure that foreigners staying on their premises possess valid documents by verifying them at the Immigration office. Failure to do so may result in action under Section 56(1)(d) of the Immigration Act 1959/63 for harbouring illegal immigrants," he said.
He also urged illegal immigrants to take advantage of the Migrant Repatriation Program 2.0, which is open until April 30, 2026, to voluntarily return to their country of origin. - Bernama
