The Immigration Department of Malaysia (JIM) has strengthened its enforcement operations by deploying drone technology to track and detect the movement and hiding locations of undocumented migrants during a raid at Taman Kinrara.
The operation, carried out at a business area in Puchong on Thursday, was conducted in collaboration with the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN), involving inspections at 18 business premises and 117 individuals.
Authorities said several foreign nationals attempted to flee upon noticing the enforcement team’s presence, but their movements were successfully tracked from the air using drones, allowing officers on the ground to quickly intercept escape attempts.
In a broader enforcement context, agencies have increasingly turned to technology to enhance operational efficiency, especially in high-density urban areas where suspects often attempt to evade detection through rapid movement and concealment.
According to JIM, a total of 32 foreign nationals from Myanmar, Indonesia, India, Bangladesh and Pakistan were detained for various offences under the Immigration Act 1959/63 and related regulations.
The department also issued four summonses to Malaysian citizens to assist investigations, while KPDN issued three compounds amounting to RM600 under the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act 2011 against business owners.
Officials stressed that the use of drones has significantly improved operational effectiveness, enabling better coordination, safer enforcement procedures and faster response during raids.
JIM reaffirmed its strict stance against illegal immigrants, overstayers and those misusing travel passes, warning that firm action will continue against employers or parties found harbouring undocumented migrants.
