Kuala lumpur: The Kuala Lumpur Immigration Department detained 472 foreign nationals for various offences during the Mega Integrated Enforcement Operation at Lebuh Pudu here today.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Kuala Lumpur Immigration director Datuk Hamzah Injau stated that the operation commenced around 11 am and involved checks on approximately 2,500 foreign nationals. Those detained hailed from Bangladesh, Myanmar, the Philippines, Nepal, Indonesia, Pakistan, India, China, Zimbabwe, and Saudi Arabia.
"All the foreign nationals detained, aged between 18 and 62, include 439 men and 33 women. They will be sent to the Bukit Jalil Immigration Depot for investigation and further action," Hamzah said. The offences identified include not possessing valid identification documents, overstaying, using unrecognized documents, and various other violations under the Immigration Act.
Hamzah noted that Lebuh Pudu was selected for the operation following public complaints about the significant presence of foreign nationals and premises suspected of operating illegally or being managed or staffed by foreign nationals. Business premises suspected of illegal operations will be investigated, and actions will be taken by Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) under its jurisdiction.
He further explained that the high number of foreign nationals inspected was due to Kuala Lumpur being a focal point, attracting individuals from other states who come on weekends to shop and work.
The operation involved 337 personnel, including 218 Immigration officers and 119 from other enforcement agencies such as DBKL, the Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM), the Companies Commission of Malaysia (SSM), the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN), the National Registration Department (JPN), and the Ministry of Health (MOH).
"Kuala Lumpur Immigration wishes to reiterate that enforcement action will be taken continuously without compromise against any party violating immigration laws, including employers or premise owners and individuals who harbour or employ illegal immigrants," Hamzah emphasized.
He added that the department is currently implementing the Migrant Repatriation Programme (PRM) to offer foreign nationals who have overstayed or lack valid travel documents an opportunity to return to their home countries voluntarily by paying only a compound.