The misuse of immigration passes by foreign nationals was uncovered after the Immigration Department of Malaysia (JIM) detained 62 individuals during a special enforcement operation conducted across several locations in Selangor on Monday.
Immigration director-general Datuk Zakaria Shaaban said the operation was carried out by the department’s Enforcement Division with the involvement of 30 officers following intelligence gathering and information received from the public.
The operation focused on areas including Cyberjaya, Bandar Seri Putra, Bandar Teknologi Kajang, Seri Kembangan, Sepang and Dengkil. A total of 17 premises, comprising furniture factories, timber mills, eateries, grocery stores and hawker sites, were inspected during the exercise.
Checks on 210 individuals, including both Malaysians and foreign nationals, led to the detention of 62 foreigners suspected of committing various offences under the Immigration Act 1959/63 and Immigration Regulations 1963.
Initial investigations revealed that some of those detained were believed to have abused the passes granted to them by engaging in employment or activities that did not match the original purpose of their entry into Malaysia. Authorities described the practice as a serious breach of immigration conditions that could result in legal action.
The operation also saw the issuance of 11 witness summonses to employers to assist investigations into the hiring of foreign workers and compliance with immigration laws. The move highlights ongoing efforts to ensure employers adhere to regulations governing foreign labour.
All detainees have been taken to the Putrajaya Immigration Depot for documentation, further investigations and follow-up action. Immigration authorities stressed that enforcement operations will continue nationwide to combat pass misuse, abuse of immigration facilities and other immigration-related offences.
Zakaria also reminded employers to comply fully with regulations concerning the employment of foreign workers, warning that strict action would be taken against anyone found harbouring, employing or assisting foreigners who violate the conditions of their passes or immigration laws.
