A tactic involving a Chinese employer allegedly hiring fellow nationals without valid work permits was uncovered after the Immigration Department of Malaysia raided a car seat cushion factory in Seri Kembangan, Selangor, on Tuesday.
The raid, conducted under Ops Mahir by the Putrajaya Immigration Enforcement Division at around 12.30pm, targeted a factory involved in car seat modification and supply services.
Immigration deputy director-general (Operations) Lokman Effendi Ramli said a week-long intelligence operation found that the premises were owned and managed by a Chinese national employer who deliberately hired foreign workers without proper documents or valid work permits.
“The employer was found to be selecting and hiring foreign workers, especially fellow Chinese nationals, without valid documentation or work permits,” he said in a statement on Thursday.
A total of 17 enforcement officers of various ranks took part in the operation and inspected 24 individuals, comprising 21 foreigners and three Malaysians.
Lokman said 16 foreign nationals, including employers from China and Myanmar aged between 26 and 35, were detained for various offences under the Immigration Act 1959/63 and Immigration Regulations 1963.
He added that three Form 29 summonses were also issued to Malaysian individuals to assist with investigations.
“All detainees were taken to the Immigration Depot for further investigation and action,” he said.
Lokman stressed that the Immigration Department would not compromise against foreigners operating illegal businesses, overstaying or abusing immigration passes in the country.
“Strict action will be taken against any party found employing or protecting illegal immigrants,” he added.
