Immigration detains 171 foreigners in Masjid India blitz

New Straits Times

4 days ago

KUALA LUMPUR: There was tension in the air amid provocations when 171 foreigners were detained for various offences during an Immigration Department operation at Jalan Masjid India here today.
Immigration Department enforcement division director Basri Othman said 14 business premises were inspected in the operation, which involved 160 officers and began at 10am.
"The inspections were carried out to ensure that employers comply with regulations by hiring foreign workers with valid work passes.
"This is also part of our ongoing efforts to educate the public to only employ foreign workers who have been approved or possess a valid work permit," he said in a press conference after the operation.
Basri said 758 individuals were checked, comprising foreign workers, expatriates and Malaysians. Of that number, 171 foreigners were found to have violated immigration laws.
"Some attempted to escape, while others provoked our enforcement personnel in an effort to obstruct inspections.
"The heavy rain further complicated our task, especially when pursuing those who tried to flee through the back of the premises," he said.
He added that among the common tactics used by undocumented migrants was disguising themselves as customers in the area to avoid detection.
"Based on initial checks, several individuals were found without valid work passes, travel documents, or had overstayed.
"The majority of those detained were from India and Bangladesh, with a smaller number from Indonesia," he said.
The foreigners will be sent to the Immigration Detention Depot in Beranang, Selangor.
Basri reminded foreigners in the country without valid permits to take advantage of the government's voluntary return programme to leave Malaysia before action is taken against them.
"At the same time, we warn employers not to hire undocumented workers. Employers who are found guilty of hiring them will face prosecution in court," he said. — NSTP/HAIRUL ANUAR RAHIM