Tension filled the air as 171 foreigners were detained during a major Immigration Department operation at Jalan Masjid India in Kuala Lumpur earlier today. The crackdown, led by 160 officers, began at 10am and targeted 14 business premises suspected of hiring undocumented foreign workers.
Immigration Department enforcement division director Basri Othman explained that the operation aimed to ensure employers only hire workers with valid permits, while also raising public awareness about the legal requirements for employing foreign nationals.
A total of 758 individuals—including Malaysians, expatriates, and foreign workers—were inspected during the raid. Of these, 171 foreigners were found to be in violation of immigration laws. “Some tried to flee, others provoked officers to disrupt the checks,” said Basri, adding that heavy rain complicated efforts, especially when suspects attempted to escape through back exits.
According to Basri, many undocumented migrants try to avoid detection by blending in as customers. Offenders were found to lack valid work permits or travel documents, while some had overstayed their visas. Most of the detainees were from India and Bangladesh, with a few from Indonesia.
The detainees have been transferred to the Immigration Detention Depot in Beranang, Selangor, for further action. Basri urged undocumented migrants to take advantage of the government’s voluntary return programme before stricter enforcement kicks in. He also warned employers that hiring illegal workers could lead to prosecution in court.