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Ahmadul Kobir, Malaysia: The Malaysian Immigration Department has detained 31 foreign nationals in an integrated enforcement operation targeting undocumented migrants in the state of Melaka.
The operation was conducted on Thursday at two locations in Melaka City, where immigration officers inspected the documents and legal status of 84 foreign nationals from various countries.
The Melaka State Immigration Department carried out the operation through two coordinated enforcement initiatives, known as Ops Kutip and Ops Selera. The raids targeted restaurants and food outlets in Taman Melaka Raya, as well as accommodation for foreign workers at a construction site in Taman Kota Laksamana.
Several foreign workers reportedly acted aggressively and attempted to flee during the operation. Some tried to evade arrest by hiding on the upper floors of residential and commercial buildings.
However, immigration officers, assisted by aerial surveillance and coordinated drone operations, managed to locate and apprehend those who had gone into hiding.
Following the inspections, 31 foreign nationals were detained on suspicion of violating the Immigration Act 1959/63 and the Immigration Regulations 1963.
All those detained were taken to the Machap Umboo Immigration Depot for further investigation and legal action.
The Melaka State Immigration Department said it would continue to intensify enforcement operations against undocumented migrants, locally known as PATI, as well as foreign workers found violating the terms and conditions of their work permits.
The department also warned employers and property owners against hiring undocumented migrants or allowing them to enter and stay on their premises, saying legal action would be taken against those found responsible.
The department’s statement did not specify the nationalities of the 31 detainees. As a result, no nationality-specific figures have been included in this report.
