The Malaysian Immigration Department has taken strict action against illegal foreign nationals in a coordinated operation conducted in the Semenyih and Kajang areas of the state of Selangor, Malaysia.On Thursday, January 8, the Immigration Department announced that the coordinated enforcement operation was conducted from 12 noon on January 7, targeting industrial areas and construction sites on charges of illegally employing foreign workers. First, the operation was conducted at four premises in the Semenyih Industrial Area, Selangor. Later, a raid was conducted at a construction site in the Sungai Long area of Kajang.
The operation was conducted based on two weeks of public complaints and intelligence information from the Enforcement Branch of the Immigration Headquarters in Putrajaya. 110 officers of various ranks participated in the operation. They were assisted by the Companies Commission of Malaysia (SSM), the National Registration Department (JPN) and the Department of Labour (JTK).
A total of 216 people were checked during the operation. Of these, 189 were foreign nationals and 27 were local citizens. After verification, 171 nationals from Bangladesh, Myanmar, India, Nepal and Indonesia were detained. The detainees are between 29 and 50 years old.
The Immigration Department said that the detainees are suspected of violating multiple sections of the Malaysian Immigration Act 1959/63 (Act 155). These include illegal stay, overstaying and working without permission.
The affiliated agencies participating in the operation have issued a total fine of 15,000 ringgit and a summons of 500 ringgit against the companies concerned. In addition, five Malaysian nationals were issued witness summonses to assist in the investigation.
All detained foreign nationals have been detained at the Semenyih Immigration Detention Depot for further investigation and legal action. JIM has made it clear that there will be no compromise on illegal stay, overstay or misuse of passes. At the same time, strict action will continue against illegal migrant recruitment and sheltering.
