BATU PAHAT: A total of 21 people from Indonesia and Bangladesh were arrested for allegedly committing immigration offences in a raid here.
Johor Immigration director Datuk Mohd Rusdi Mohd Darus said they were arrested during an operation codenamed Ops Sapu conducted around Batu Pahat on Tuesday (April 27).
"The operation was carried out following intelligence and public complaints about the presence of illegal immigrants staying in workers’ quarters at a construction site, where they were believed to be working illegally.
"The surprise raid was conducted while all the foreign nationals were resting in the quarters used as their living space.
"Some attempted to flee during the raid but were unsuccessful," he said in a statement here.
Mohd Rusdi said that of the 21 people arrested, including three women, 17 are Indonesians and four are from Bangladesh.
"Checks found that they did not possess valid travel documents and had overstayed their permitted period," he said, adding that those arrested are between 19 and 54 years old.
He said they are being investigated under the Immigration Act 1959/63 and have been placed at the Setia Tropika Immigration Depot for further investigation.
"We will not compromise and will take firm action against employers and premises owners who hire foreign workers without valid travel documents and work permits," he added.
