472 foreigners detained in Lebuh Pudu ops

No room for rule breakers: Hamsha (right) overseeing the operation by the Immigration Department which saw checks conducted upon foreign nationals at Jalan Silang, Kuala Lumpur. — Bernama

KUALA LUMPUR: A total of 472 foreign nationals have been detained for various offences during a raid by the Immigration Department at Lebuh Pudu here.

Kuala Lumpur Immigration director Datuk Hamsha Injau said the operation started around 11am and involved checks on about 2,500 foreign nationals.

Those detained were from Bangladesh, Myanmar, the Philip­pines, Nepal, Indonesia, Pakistan, India, China, Zimbabwe and Saudi Arabia.

“The foreign nationals, aged between 18 and 62, include 439 men and 33 women.

“They will be sent to the Bukit Jalil Immigration Depot for investigation and further action.

“The offences include not possessing valid identification documents, overstaying, using unrecognised documents and various other offences under the Immi­gration Act,” he told reporters after the operation yesterday.

Hamsha said Lebuh Pudu was chosen after public complaints over the large presence of foreign nationals and premises suspected of operating illegally or being managed or staffed by foreign nationals.

He said business premises suspected of operating illegally will be investigated and action will be taken by Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) under its jurisdiction.

He added that the high number of foreign nationals inspected was because Kuala Lumpur is a focal point, attracting those from other states who come on weekends to shop and work.

Hamsha added that the operation involved 337 personnel, including 218 Immigration officers and 119 from other enforcement agencies such as DBKL, the Fire and Rescue Department, the Companies Com­mission of Malaysia, the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry, the National Registration Depart­ment and the Health Ministry, Bernama reported.

“Kuala Lumpur Immigration wishes to reiterate that enforcement action will be taken conti­nuously without compromise against any party violating ­immi­gration laws, including employers or premises owners and individuals who harbour or employ illegal immigrants,” he said.

He added that the department is currently implementing the Migrant Repatriation Programme to give foreign nationals who have overstayed or lack valid travel documents an opportunity to return to their home countries voluntarily by paying only a compound.