KUALA LUMPUR: Employers' preference for hiring foreign workers who are willing to work overtime and are less selective about jobs has been identified as a factor driving the employment of foreigners in the capital.
Kuala Lumpur Immigration director Hamsha Injau said this was observed during an integrated enforcement operation carried out at 12 business premises on Monday (July 13).
"Many employers choose foreign workers because they are willing to work overtime and are not selective about the jobs they do," he told a press conference after the operation.
He said the operation, which began at 10.15am, targeted premises believed to be employing or operated by foreigners.
These included barber shops, vehicle workshops, eateries, car wash centres and grocery stores.
The operation involved 33 Immigration officers and 11 enforcement personnel from Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL).
A total of 39 individuals were inspected, with 18 foreigners aged between 25 and 32 detained for various immigration offences.
Among them were nationals from Indonesia, Bangladesh, India, Myanmar and Pakistan.
Among the offences detected were failing to possess valid identification documents, breaching the conditions of their passes, overstaying and possessing unrecognised cards.
All those detained have been placed at the Kuala Lumpur Immigration Depot to assist in investigations.
Hamsha said two Form 29 notices, which require witnesses to assist in investigations, were also issued to two Malaysians.
He said enforcement action against those found flouting immigration laws would continue without compromise.
"Action will be taken against employers, business owners and individuals found harbouring or employing illegal immigrants," he said.
Hamsha also surged illegal immigrants to take advantage of the Migrant Repatriation Programme (PRM) 2.0, which runs until May 31, 2027.
