Following a raid on an entertainment centre in Iskandar Puteri, the Immigration Department has arrested 44 foreign individuals. The raid, known as Ops Gegar, took place at 12.10am on March 15 after receiving a tip-off from the public. Johor Immigration director Baharuddin Tahir stated that the arrests were made due to suspicions of foreigners staying and working without the necessary permits, as well as engaging in immoral activities.
Among those arrested were 42 foreign women who were working as ‘flower girls’ at the premises, earning sums between RM50 and RM500 for their services. It was uncovered during investigations that they had breached their social visit pass (PLS) and temporary employment visit pass (PLKS) obligations. In addition to the women, two men from China and Bangladesh were also taken into custody, with all individuals falling within the age range of 25 to 45.
The arrests are being handled under Section 15(1)(c) of the Immigration Act 1959/1963 for overstaying and Rule 11(7)(a) of the Immigration Regulations 1963 for violating PLS requirements. In a separate incident, Baharuddin mentioned that 63 foreign individuals were apprehended for working without permits in various raids conducted from March 13 to March 17.
During the raids at 26 premises in Johor Baru, individuals from Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Pakistan, Indonesia, Myanmar, and the Philippines were detained. The group included men, women, and minors aged between 3 and 61. The offences are being investigated under Section 6(1)(c) and Section 15(1)(c) of the Immigration Act of 1959/63 for illegal entry and overstaying, as well as Section 39(b) of the Immigration Regulations 1963 for breaching visit pass requirements.
