JOHOR BARU: The Johor Immigration Department detained 33 illegal immigrants during a large-scale enforcement operation targeting 10 premises suspected of employing and sheltering undocumented foreign workers across the state.
Johor Immigration director Datuk Mohd Rusdi Mohd Darus said the operation was carried out on Monday (May 11) beginning at 11am by a team from the department’s enforcement division.
He said the integrated operation focused on business premises and locations believed to be hiring and protecting illegal immigrants, including eateries, car wash outlets, barber shops and shoplots used as accommodation and resting areas for foreign workers.
“The raids were conducted following intelligence gathering and public complaints regarding the presence of foreigners suspected of abusing their passes and overstaying,” he said in a statement on Tuesday (May 12).
“Inspections were conducted on employers, workers and individuals at the premises to ensure compliance with the Immigration Act 1959/63 and Immigration Regulations 1963.
“Among those detained were 15 Myanmar men, four Indonesian men, four Indian men, two Bangladeshi men, one Nepalese man, five Myanmar women and two Indonesian women,” he said.
He said those detained, aged between 20 and 51, were believed to have been working and staying at the premises.
“All detainees are being investigated for offences under the Immigration Act 1959/63 and Immigration Regulations 1963,” he said, adding that they had been placed at the Setia Tropika Immigration Depot for further investigation and action.
Mohd Rusdi added that eight summonses were also issued to witnesses to assist in investigations.
He stressed that stern action would be taken without compromise against foreigners found violating pass conditions or staying in the country illegally, including employers and individuals found harbouring or hiring undocumented migrants.
