KUALA LUMPUR: A crackdown on immigration offenders in the capital has resulted in more than RM10mil in compounds and 845 charges filed in the first six months of the year, as authorities step up enforcement against illegal employment and overstaying.
Kuala Lumpur Immigration Department director Hamsha Injau said overstaying remained the most common offence, with 556 charges filed under Section 15(4) of the Immigration Act 1959/63.
“The department collected RM10,041,130 in compounds between January and June 30, and filed 845 charges involving 801 foreign nationals.
“We will continue enforcement without compromise against anyone found violating immigration laws, including employers, business owners and people harbouring or employing undocumented migrants,” he told a press conference at the Home Ministry’s Kuala Lumpur complex yesterday.
The latest operation saw 18 foreign nationals detained during raids on 12 business premises across the capital yesterday.
The operation, which began at 10.15am, targeted premises like barber shops, vehicle workshops, eateries, car wash centres and grocery stores.
A total of 39 people were inspected by 33 Immigration officers and 11 Kuala Lumpur City Hall enforcement personnel.
Those detained, aged between 25 and 32, failed to produce valid identification documents, breach-ed the conditions of their passes, overstayed and possessed unrecognised identification cards.
Among them were Indonesians, Pakistanis, Myanmarese, Bangla-deshis and Indian nationals.
They have been sent to the Kuala Lumpur Immigration Depot for further investigations.
Hamsha said two Malaysians have also been issued with Form 29 notices, which requires them to assist investigations.
He said many employers continued to hire foreign workers as they were seen as more willing to work longer hours and were less selective about the jobs offered.
He urged illegal migrants to take advantage of the Migrant Repatriation Programme 2.0, which will run until May 31, 2027, to return to their home countries.
