A total of 602 illegal immigrants, including 214 Bangladeshi nationals, were arrested in Taman Sri Muda, Section 25 in Malaysia, due to lack of identification documents, violation of visa conditions, overstaying, and holding unrecognised cards.
The Immigration Department of Malaysia conducted a large-scale operation around the business centre of Taman Sri Muda, Section 25 on Saturday afternoon, targeting areas reportedly monopolised by foreign nationals.
According to Sinar Harian, the operation was led by the Selangor Immigration Department in collaboration with the Royal Malaysia Police and various other agencies. The raid commenced around 12:30pm, focusing on business premises, markets, and the upper floors of shophouses that were being rented out to foreign nationals, reports The Star.
The authorities found that many shop houses had been converted into small rooms housing between five to seven individuals, with rental rates as low as RM350. The cramped conditions and inadequate ventilation made these areas a choice for foreign nationals.
During the operation, some foreign nationals stubbornly locked themselves inside or hid behind piles of boards and used clothing. Selangor Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari confirmed that the operation was carried out following public complaints regarding the influx of foreign nationals in the area.
The operation, coordinated under the National Security Council of Selangor, involved 445 officers and members from various agencies, including the National Registration Department (NRD), Civil Defence Force, and the Shah Alam City Council.
Out of this number, 602 illegal immigrants, aged between 19 and 53 years, comprising 505 men and 97 women, were detained for various immigration offences. Those arrested will be placed in the Semenyih Immigration Depot for further investigation.
Identified offences included lack of identification documents, violation of visa conditions, overstaying, and holding unrecognised cards, in accordance with the Immigration Act of 1959/63 and the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Act 2007.
Amirudin said that this operation will continue on an ongoing basis to ensure strict actions are taken against those violating the country’s laws.
