JOHOR BARU: The Johor Immigration Department has intensified enforcement through an Ops Sapu operation in Skudai here, resulting in the detention of 41 illegal immigrants.
Johor Immigration director Datuk Mohd Rusdi Mohd Darus said the operation, which began at 11pm on Monday (Feb 16) night, involved 30 enforcement officers from the department’s Enforcement Division.
He said the operation targeted business premises, foreign hotspots and high-risk locations as part of efforts to curb the presence of undocumented migrants and employers flouting immigration laws.
“The surprise operation was carried out following intelligence gathering and continuous monitoring in the area,” he said here on Tuesday (Feb 17).
Mohd Rusdi added that during the raid, enforcement officers entered a two-storey business premises and conducted thorough inspections.
He said some of the illegal immigrants were found resting on the upper floor of the premises, which had been used as living quarters.
“Some attempted to evade inspection by fleeing and hiding in rooms, but they were successfully apprehended,” he said.
Mohd Rusdi said the arrested individuals comprised seven adult Indonesian men, 19 adult Myanmar men, 11 adult Myanmar women, and four adult Indonesian women, aged between 16 and 49.
“Initial checks found that the detainees did not possess valid travel documents and had overstayed.
“All individuals are suspected of committing offences under the Immigration Act 1959/63 and have been placed at the Setia Tropika Immigration Depot for further investigation and action in accordance with the law.
“Firm action will also be taken against any party found employing or harbouring illegal immigrants,” he said.
