According to Penang Immigration Director Shah Inor Shahbudin, a syndicate involved in producing fake Immigration i-Kad cards, Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) cards and fake Pakistani driving licenses was busted at a flat in Persiaran Mayang Pasir 5, Bayan Lepas.
The raid, which took place at 12.30am on Tuesday (Dec 12), was triggered by public complaints and investigations into the frequent presence of foreign nationals in the residential area.
Five individuals were arrested during the operation, including one woman and one man from Myanmar and three men from Pakistan, after 33 individuals from 11 units were checked.
“Police seized several electronic devices, including laptops, laminators, printing machines, 246 blank hard plastic cards and three fake passports from a flat occupied by Pakistani nationals,” said Shah Inor Shahbudin.
He also mentioned that in addition to the seized illegal items, equipment for altering passports, 57 pieces of clear laminated plastic, a hard drive, and three mobile phones were recovered.
All the detained foreigners, aged between 30 and 50, are now being held at Juru Immigration Depot for further investigation.
According to the Penang Immigration Department’s statement, apart from the five immigration i-cards, three CIDB cards, and five fake Pakistani international driving licenses that were produced, the syndicate was also involved in producing other illegal documents.
Authorities urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities involving foreign nationals.
