KUALA LUMPUR: More than 25,000 foreign nationals have been arrested across Malaysia in connection with illegal business operations between 2024 and September 30, 2026, the Dewan Rakyat was told on Tuesday (Oct 13).
According to a written parliamentary reply dated Oct 12 from the Home Ministry, the Immigration Department conducted 12,343 nationwide enforcement operations during this period under three targeted initiatives: Ops Belanja, Ops Jaja, and Ops Selera.
Ops Belanja, which targeted retail and business premises, led to the detention of 5,809 undocumented migrants and 471 employers. Ops Jaja, focused on hawker activities, resulted in the arrest of 734 undocumented migrants and 40 employers.
The largest number of detentions occurred under Ops Selera, which targeted restaurants, eateries, and food preparation premises, yielding 19,301 undocumented migrants and 1,341 employers.
The Home Ministry stated that arrested foreign nationals undergo investigation based on their specific offences and face charges in court or compound fines where evidence permits. Following conviction, penalties or jail sentences may apply.
"Following the completion of legal proceedings, foreign nationals subject to deportation will be placed at Immigration detention depots while their respective embassies or diplomatic missions arrange the necessary documentation and travel documents," the ministry stated, adding that repatriation takes place once all processes are complete.
The ministry clarified that while the Immigration Department handles violations under immigration laws, enforcement related to business licensing, operating conditions, premise seizures, and closures remains under the jurisdiction of local authorities.
Addressing allegations regarding syndicates or individuals shielding illegal operations, the ministry confirmed that all incoming information and complaints undergo intelligence gathering and thorough investigation. Legal action will be taken against any party found hiring, protecting, or assisting foreign nationals in committing immigration offences.
The ministry added that targeted enforcement operations will continue on an ongoing basis nationwide.
The statement was issued in response to a query from Tan Kok Wai (PH-Cheras) regarding enforcement figures, legal action, and findings on syndicate involvement between 2024 and 2026.
