Malaysia arrests over 37,000 migrants

Malaysia arrested more than 37,000 undocumented migrants in 10,374 raids across the country during the first nine months of 2026, according to The New Straits Times.

The raids were conducted between January 1 and September 29, with authorities screening or questioning 137,603 people and arresting 37,313 undocumented migrants, Malaysian Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said in a statement on Saturday (October 3).

The minister said the crackdown was not limited to undocumented migrants, with action also being taken against those who employ, shelter or financially benefit from them.

A total of 1,809 employers were arrested during the first nine months of the year, including 1,692 Malaysian citizens, according to the Home Ministry.