A total of 12 foreign workers were detained after an enforcement raid uncovered alleged employment of undocumented migrants at vegetable farms in Blue Valley, Cameron Highlands on Thursday.
The operation was carried out by the General Operations Force (PGA) together with the Pahang State Enforcement Unit (UPNP) following intelligence and public information regarding foreign workers without valid permits.
Southeast Brigade PGA Commander Senior Assistant Commissioner Ahmad Radzi Hussain said the raid was conducted at a premises in Kampung Raja near Jalan Blue Valley at about 11.40am.
He said the foreign workers, aged between 23 and 48, comprised nationals from Myanmar, Bangladesh and Indonesia, who were believed to have been paid between RM1,200 and RM1,700 while working at nearby vegetable farms.
“All foreign workers who failed to produce valid employment permits were detained, while a local man was also arrested for allegedly employing foreign workers without proper documentation,” he said.
The suspects were taken to the Cameron Highlands District Police Headquarters (IPD) for further action.
Ahmad Radzi said the foreign workers are being investigated under several provisions of the Immigration Act 1959/63, including Section 55E, Section 39(b) and Section 6(1)(c).
Initial investigations found that the detained migrants were working at farms around the raid location under different employers.
He added that enforcement agencies will continue intelligence gathering, patrols and inspections to curb illegal settlements and the employment of undocumented migrants in Cameron Highlands and throughout Pahang.
