PETALING JAYA: The Immigration Department has detained 62 undocumented migrants in a joint enforcement operation, Ops Mahir, carried out in Shah Alam and Puchong.
Immigration director-general Datuk Zakaria Shaaban said the operation, conducted on April 21, targeted high-risk industrial and logistics sectors.
“A total of 112 individuals were inspected at two premises, resulting in the arrest of 62 illegal immigrants comprising 56 Bangladeshis, four Nepalese, one Indian and one Indonesian for various immigration offences,” he said in a statement on Wednesday (April 22).
The operation, which began at 10.55am, involved 66 immigration officers with support from 12 personnel from the National Registration Department.
Zakaria said initial investigations revealed that the suspects used temporary employment visit passes (PLKS) registered under different companies to evade authorities.
“They were found working at premises other than those registered under their original employers, indicating abuse of permits and possible involvement of non-compliant and irresponsible employers,” he said.
He added that such actions not only violate permit conditions but also reflect organised attempts to exploit the system.
“The department does not rule out the existence of a larger network, and further investigations are ongoing to track down and take stern action against those involved,” he said.
Among the offences identified were not possessing valid identification documents under Section 6(1)(c) of the Immigration Act 1959/63, overstaying under Section 15(1)(c), and misuse of passes under Regulation 39(b) of the Immigration Regulations 1963.
Zakaria said three summonses to witnesses (Form 29) were also issued to assist in further investigations.
All detainees have been placed at the Semenyih and KLIA Immigration depots for documentation and further legal action.
“The Immigration Department will not compromise with any party, whether foreign nationals or employers, found violating the country’s laws.
“Enforcement operations will continue to ensure national sovereignty and security are preserved,” he said.
