KUALA LUMPUR: The tactic of several local traders employing undocumented migrants under the guise of legitimate business licences was exposed following the arrest of 74 foreign nationals during an operation in Puchong, Selangor, on Tuesday (May 12).
Immigration deputy director-general (Operations) Datuk Lokman Effendi Ramli said the operation, which was conducted from 11am to 8pm, involved inspections of 30 premises, 186 foreign nationals and 175 local residents.
He said the detainees, aged between 23 and 45, comprised nationals from Indonesia, Myanmar, Nepal, Bangladesh, India, Pakistan and China who were held for various offences under the Immigration Act 1959/63 and Immigration Regulations 1963.
"We also issued five Form 29 notices, which are summonses to Malaysian witnesses, to assist in investigations,” he said in a statement on Wednesday (May 13).
The raid was carried out following public complaints and a week-long intelligence operation into the activities of foreign nationals believed to be working illegally in the service sector, including restaurants, food outlets, grocery stores, barber shops, laundrettes, business kiosks and a hypermarket.
He added that the modus operandi of the illegal hiring activities was aimed at making easy profits while hiding behind legitimate local business licences.
"There are undocumented migrants who are becoming increasingly bold in challenging the authority of enforcement personnel by provoking officers, refusing to cooperate during inspections, attempting to flee and using various tactics to evade enforcement action.
"This irresponsible behaviour not only violates the country’s laws but may also affect public order and the safety of the local community,” he said.
All the foreign nationals involved have been placed at an Immigration detention depot for further investigation and follow-up action. — Bernama
