KUALA LUMPUR: Nearly 97,000 foreigners have been detained for various offences between 2024 and September this year.
According to Criminal Investigation Department (CID) statistics, 33,136 were arrested in 2024.
The figure rose to 36,740 in 2025, an increase of 3,604 or 10.9%.
Another 26,968 were picked up between January and September this year.
Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Mohd Khalid Ismail said police would step up and continue enforcement to safeguard public safety and maintain order.
“We will take firm action against any form of lawbreaking and criminal activities in the country.
“We will also strengthen cooperation with other government agencies through integrated operations, intelligence sharing and more effective enforcement measures,” he said in a statement yesterday.
He stressed that enforcement would be carried out firmly and continuously against all those involved in criminal activities, regardless of nationality.
“We will uphold the principle of equality before the law, where every individual, regardless of status, position or nationality, is subject to the country’s laws.
“Any act that violates the law will not be tolerated and will be dealt with firmly in accordance with existing legal provisions,” he added.
Mohd Khalid also urged the public to continue playing their role as strategic partners of the police by providing information on criminal activities.
He said public cooperation and vigilance were crucial to crime prevention and safeguarding public safety and order.
The statement followed a recent incident in Kuala Lumpur in which a policeman had his hand hacked off at the wrist during a confrontation with a foreigner at an apartment in Kepong.
He was reported to be making good progress after undergoing an operation to reattach his hand and treatment for other injuries.
The attacker was subsequently shot dead.
