An illegal immigrant attempted to escape Immigration officers by swimming across Sungai Melaka during a raid at Kampung Morten.
The Indonesian man, believed to be in his 20s, was quickly apprehended on the opposite side of the river bank during the operation at 2pm on Thursday.
According to Melaka Immigration director Anirwan Fauzee Mohd Aini, the suspect was working as a food vendor at the tourist destination of Kampung Morten.
The raid was prompted by a tip-off that illegal immigrants were taking up work as food hawkers at popular tourist spots in the area, said Anirwan Fauzee.
A total of 70 foreigners were screened during the operation, with 36 of them being detained on suspicion of illegal immigration.
These detainees were aged between 25 and 40 and did not possess proper travel documents or work permits, Anirwan Fauzee stated.
The individuals detained were from Indonesia, Bangladesh, Myanmar, and one from Sri Lanka, he added.
In addition to the individuals, 10 premises were also checked during the operation, including a golf club and car wash outlets.
