KUALA LUMPUR: A total of 45 undocumented foreigners were detained following an operation in Selangor.
Immigration director-general Datuk Zakaria Shaaban said the operation was part of the department's efforts to intensify enforcement to curb employers who fail to comply with government policies on hiring foreign workers.
"On April 23, we conducted simultaneous raids at eight locations across Selangor.
"The operations involved three premises in Semenyih, one in Jenjarom, two in Seri Kembangan, as well as one premise each in Cheras and Serdang.
"The operation followed public complaints and two weeks of intelligence gathering. A total of 52 enforcement officers of various ranks were deployed in the operation," he said in a statement on Friday (April 24).
Zakaria said the department inspected 88 individuals, comprising 66 foreign nationals and 22 Malaysians.
“From the inspections, 45 foreigners aged 29 TO 50, from Bangladesh, Myanmar, India, Nepal and Indonesia, were detained for suspected offences under the Immigration Act 1959/63 and Immigration Regulations 1963," he added.
Zakaria said nine summonses were issued to Malaysian witnesses to assist in investigations.
"All detained foreign nationals have been placed at the Semenyih Immigration Depot for further investigation and action.
"Enforcement efforts are not only focused on foreign nationals who violate immigration laws, but also on employers who are negligent, defiant, or knowingly hire undocumented migrants.
“Firm action will be taken without compromise against any party found harbouring or employing foreign nationals illegally,” he said.
