PETALING JAYA: Over 170 immigration operations have been conducted nationwide within a five-day period, leading to 471 foreigners being detained for immigration offences.
Immigration Department director-general Datuk Zakaria Shaaban, in a statement on Saturday (June 13), said that a total of 179 operations were conducted between June 8 and June 12.
From the total inspections conducted, 471 illegal immigrants were detained for various offences under the Immigration Act 1959/63 and related regulations.
In addition, 31 employers were also detained to assist investigations for allegedly employing or harbouring foreign nationals who had committed immigration offences.
“The nationwide implementation of these operations demonstrates JIM’s commitment to ensuring immigration law enforcement is carried out consistently and without compromise,” he said.
He added that the operations were conducted to ensure foreigners comply with the terms of their passes.
“Every pass issued has specific purposes and conditions that holders are required to follow.
"Any misuse of these passes, including engaging in unauthorised activities or conducting business illegally, constitutes an offence that may result in strict legal action under existing laws,” he said.
He also said that the department will intensify enforcement operations nationwide, especially against foreign nationals involved in illegal business activities, pass misuse and those working without authorisation.
“The department also welcomes cooperation from the public in channelling information regarding the presence or activities of foreign nationals suspected of violating immigration laws so that enforcement action can be taken promptly,” he said.
