A 47-second video circulating on Facebook this week has been making Malaysians do a double take, claiming that foreign nationals had erected an illegal flat structure in Kampung Kenangan, Sungai Makau in Hulu Langat.
The footage spread quickly and generated considerable online discussion about illegal construction and undocumented migrants.
Did foreigners really recently build a block of illegal flats in Hulu Langat?
Verdict:
FALSE
The location shown in the viral video was far from a new discovery. Authorities had already conducted a major enforcement operation there more than a year before the video began circulating, making the claim that this was a current or ongoing situation misleading.
Kajang district police chief ACP Naazron Abdul Yusof confirmed that a joint operation involving police and the Selangor Immigration Department was carried out at the area under Ops Kutip on Feb 28, 2025, more than 15 months before the video went viral.
"The operation resulted in the detention of 42 foreigners who did not possess valid travel documents," Naazron said in a statement on Tuesday, June 9.
Those detained comprised 35 men, three women, two boys and two girls.
All those arrested were investigated by the Immigration Department under Section 51(3)(a) of the Immigration Act 1959/63 and detained under Section 51(5)(b) of the same Act at an Immigration depot.
An IMM29 witness summons form and a search form issued under Section 51(1) of the Immigration Act 1959/63 were also served on a local man who claimed to be the son of the property's owner to assist investigations.
"Enforcement action will continue," Naazron said.
"Those with information may contact the National Emergency Response Services (MERS) 999 line or the Kajang District Control Centre at 03-8911 4243."
