Authorities successfully thwarted an escape attempt by undocumented foreign workers, including a Chinese manager and 11 engineers, during a raid at a factory in the district yesterday.
The operation, conducted around 11.30am, involved more than 300 foreign employees. The management and engineers tried to hide and flee to avoid inspection, but were apprehended along with other workers.
State Immigration Director Khairrul Aminus Kamaruddin said the “Ops Mahir” raid was based on public tips regarding undocumented workers employed at the factory since last year.
He added that during the raid, foreign employees were distributing batteries by category, while the Chinese staff remained in the management office.
“Inspections were carried out on 340 foreign workers, and 94 individuals aged 22 to 62 were detained for further action. This included a manager and 11 engineers in factory uniforms who attempted to escape,” Khairrul Aminus said.
The detainees included 72 Bangladeshi men, 10 Indian men, and 12 Chinese nationals, three of whom were engineers.
“All 94 individuals were found to have violated the Immigration Act 1959/63 and the Immigration Regulations 1963, including failing to present valid travel documents, overstaying, and breaching visa conditions. The 12 Chinese nationals were working without valid permits, with their employment, accommodation, and wages managed by their employer,” he added.
