JOHOR BARU: 37 foreign nationals were detained during a late-night enforcement operation at an entertainment outlet in Stulang Laut here.
Johor Immigration director Datuk Mohd Rusdi Mohd Darus said the raid, carried out at about 11pm on Tuesday (April 21), involved a team of enforcement officers following intelligence gathering and continuous surveillance on the premises.
The operation targeted a centre suspected of employing and harbouring undocumented foreigners.
“Checks were conducted on individuals inside the premises, and further action was taken against those found to have violated provisions under the Immigration Act 1959/63,” he said in a statement on Thursday (April 23).
A Malaysian man, believed to be the premises manager, was also detained to assist in investigations.
Mohd Rusdi said one Filipino man, three Bangladeshi men, two Indian men, three Pakistani men, three Indonesian men, four Chinese men, 16 Thai women, two Filipino women and three Vietnamese women were among those detained.
“They are believed to have been working as customer service attendants at the entertainment outlet. All detainees are aged between 20 and 53,” he said.
All 37 foreigners are being investigated for offences under the Immigration Act 1959/63 and Immigration Regulations 1963.
They have been placed at the Setia Tropika Immigration Depot for further investigation and action.
Mohd Rusdi added that a summons was also issued to a witness during the operation to assist in the probe.
He also thanked members of the public for channelling information and urged continued cooperation in addressing issues involving undocumented migrants, human trafficking and migrant smuggling.
