KUALA LUMPUR: A large-scale raid on a popular meeting spot for foreigners in Old Klang Road here led to the detention of 90 undocumented migrants, says the Immigration Department.
Its director-general Datuk Zakaria Shaaban said the 9.40pm raid on Monday was carried out following public complaints and two weeks of intelligence gathering by the department’s Enforcement Division.
“During the operation, officers inspected 131 individuals comprising 82 foreign men, 34 foreign women and 15 Malaysians.
“Of those screened, 90 foreign nationals aged between 21 and 35 were detained for offences such as overstaying and failing to produce valid travel documents.
“Those detained included nationals from Nigeria, Yemen, Syria, Somalia, Guinea-Bissau, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Mali, Indonesia, Myanmar, Bangladesh, Vietnam, Thailand, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and India,” Zakaria said in a statement yesterday.
They were held under Sections 6(1)(c) and 15(1)(c) of the Immigration Act 1959/63 as well as Regulation 39(b) of the Immigration Regulations 1963.
“A summons was also issued to the owner of a restaurant in the area to assist with investigations,” he added.
Investigations revealed that some of the foreign nationals engaged in small businesses in open areas such as parking lots and around eateries.
“All those detained were taken to the KLIA Immigration Detention Depot for further investigation and action,” said Zakaria.
“The Immigration Department will not compromise on foreigners who enter or remain in the country illegally, overstay or abuse their passes.”
He added that firm action would also be taken against employers or individuals who harbour undocumented migrants.
