Mega raid in Kuala Lumpur nets 364 Bangaladeshis

As many as 364 Bangladeshis were detained among 472 foreigners in a mega immigration operation in Kuala Lumpur’s busy Lebuh Pudu and Jalan Silang areas, including the Kotaraya Bangla Market, on Sunday (September 13).

The detainees accounted for nearly 77 per cent of all foreigners detained during the operation, which was launched around 11am following complaints about the presence of foreign nationals and suspected illegal business activities in the area.

The Malaysian Immigration Department conducted the “integrated mega enforcement operation” and inspected around 2,500 foreigners during the several-hour-long raid.

Of the 472 detained, 439 were men and 33 were women, aged between 18 and 62.

After the Bangladeshis, 57 Myanmar nationals were detained, followed by nine Filipinos, eight Nepalis, seven Indonesians, seven Pakistanis, six Indians, three Chinese nationals, and one each from Zimbabwe and Saudi Arabia.

Kuala Lumpur Regional Immigration Director Datuk Hamsha Enjau said the detainees were suspected of violating various provisions of Malaysian immigration laws, including failing to possess valid identification or required documents and overstaying their permitted period in the country.

The operation triggered tense scenes in Lebuh Pudu as some foreigners reportedly attempted to flee after noticing the presence of enforcement officers. A few detainees allegedly struggled with immigration officials during attempts to escape.

Several business premises and workers’ accommodation facilities were found locked from inside, prompting enforcement teams to break open the locks and conduct searches.

During the inspection, authorities found several suspicious premises on upper floors, which they suspected were being used for prostitution. A shop allegedly selling illegal medicines to foreigners was also identified.

As news of the raid spread, several businesses in Lebuh Pudu and Kotaraya reportedly emptied quickly. Some foreigners allegedly tried to hide by posing as ordinary customers at money exchange centres.

A total of 337 officers and personnel took part in the operation, including 218 from the Immigration Department. The remaining 119 personnel came from Kuala Lumpur City Hall, the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living, the National Registration Department and the Health Ministry.

Hamsha said large numbers of foreigners travel to Kuala Lumpur from different states during weekends, many of whom possess valid travel documents and work permits.

However, action was taken against 472 of the 2,500 foreigners screened during Sunday’s operation, he said.

All those detained were taken to the Bukit Jalil Immigration Detention Depot for further investigation and legal proceedings.

The detention of 364 Bangladeshis in a single operation has raised concerns over the status of Bangladeshi migrants in the area, particularly regarding documentation, overstaying and possible violations of other immigration regulations.

The latest raid also highlights Malaysia’s growing scrutiny of the legal status, employment and business activities of foreign nationals and serves as a fresh warning for Bangladeshi migrants to comply with the country’s immigration laws.